Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Chennai Central, officially known as Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, is the primary railway terminus in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Established in 1873, it stands as a significant landmark and the busiest railway station in South India, handling approximately 550,000 passengers daily. Designed in the Gothic Revival style by architect George Harding, the station features a distinctive clock tower and Romanesque elements, making it one of Chennai's most recognizable architectural landmarks and a symbol of the city's railway heritage.
Chennai Central was established in 1873 and originally named Madras Central. The station was renamed Chennai Central in 1996 following the city's name change from Madras to Chennai. In 2019, it was further renamed to honor the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, M.G. Ramachandran, becoming Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station. The station has been featured in various Indian films and literature, symbolizing its cultural importance and significance as a gateway to South India. Over the years, it has served as a crucial transportation hub connecting Chennai to various parts of India.
Gothic Revival Architecture: Designed by architect George Harding in the Gothic Revival style, featuring distinctive architectural elements
Clock Tower: A prominent clock tower that serves as a landmark and timepiece for the area
Romanesque Elements: Architectural features incorporating Romanesque design elements
Main Building: The main station building houses 12 platforms for long-distance trains
Moore Market Complex: An additional complex with 5 platforms dedicated to suburban trains
100-Foot Flag Mast: A 100-foot flag mast installed in 2019 at the front of the main building, enhancing its prominence
Waiting Halls: Spacious waiting halls for passengers
Commercial Facilities: Bookshops, restaurants, and internet browsing centers for passenger convenience
Boarding and alighting from long-distance and suburban trains
Admiring the Gothic Revival architecture and clock tower
Using the station as a transit hub for connecting to various destinations
Accessing commercial facilities including bookshops and restaurants
Connecting to Chennai Metro from the Chennai Central metro station
Using suburban railway services for local travel
Photography of the historic station building and architecture
Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (southern arm of Chennai's railway network)
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, Chennai – approx. 19 km
Metro Station: Chennai Central metro station located in front of the railway station, serving as a major hub for the city's metro network
Suburban Railway: Connected to Chennai Suburban Railway network
Bus Services: Well-connected through Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses
The station is strategically located in the heart of Chennai, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city and serving as a major transportation hub connecting Chennai to various parts of India.
Chennai Central is exceptionally well connected by road, rail, and metro. The station serves as a primary railway terminus, handling approximately 550,000 passengers daily, making it the busiest railway station in South India. The Chennai Central metro station, located in front of the railway station, serves as a major hub for the city's metro network, providing seamless connectivity. The station is connected to the Chennai Suburban Railway network, offering local train services. Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses provide extensive bus connectivity to various parts of the city. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services operate regularly, offering convenient access for passengers. The station is easily accessible from the international airport and serves as a gateway to South India, connecting Chennai to major cities across the country through its extensive railway network.