CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has been taking major moves to increase infrastructure development across the state recently. As part of this, several steps have been taken by the government to improve travel facilities. Now, with the aim of increasing rail connectivity and reducing travel time on major routes, Vande Metro services may be available on some routes in the state, according to reports.

The Southern Railway has identified three major routes - Chennai-Gudur, Chennai-Villupuram and Chennai-Jolarpet - as potential corridors for the city's first Vande Metro train. This was reported by DT Next, quoting Southern Railway Additional General Manager Kaushal Kishore. The proposed Vande Metro services are expected to expand the existing network of Vande Bharat Express trains in the state and strengthen inter-state connectivity.

These semi-high-speed trains are already operating in major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli. Along with this, there is no doubt that the daily commuters will benefit a lot when Vande Metro is added. Improving rail infrastructure will facilitate the speedy movement of goods and people. This can boost economic activities.

Especially in industrial corridors like Chennai-Villupuram and Chennai-Gudur, goods can be moved in a shorter time. This will help in business growth. Moreover, the Vande Metro service connecting three major cities with Chennai will also benefit Malayali commuters. If this service is started, it will pave the way for convenient travel for Malayali people working in Chennai cities.

Routes on which Vande Bharat services are operated in Tamil Nadu

• Chennai Egmore-Tirunelveli
• Nagercoil-Chennai Egmore
• Madurai-Bengaluru Cantonment
• Coimbatore-Chennai Central
• Mysore-Chennai Central
• Chennai Central-Vijayawada
• Coimbatore-Bengaluru Cantonment
• Chennai Central-Secunderabad

Meantime, the state has received a total of Rs 6626 crore in the railway budget for 2025-26. It is expected that the southern railway will utilize these funds to speed up the ongoing railway projects.