Chennai Egmore

Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Chennai Egmore

Location: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Category: Railway Stations

About

Chennai Egmore Railway Station, also known as Madras Egmore, is a prominent railway terminal in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Established between 1906 and 1908, the station is renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architectural style, featuring imposing domes and corridors. It serves as a major hub for trains heading towards southern Tamil Nadu and beyond, handling approximately 150,000 passengers daily, making it the second busiest railway station in Chennai after Chennai Central. The station blends historical significance with modern advancements to cater to the growing needs of passengers.

History & Background

Chennai Egmore Railway Station was established between 1906 and 1908, designed in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style that was popular during the British colonial period. The station has served as a crucial transportation hub connecting Chennai to southern Tamil Nadu and other destinations. In October 2022, the Southern Railway initiated a comprehensive redevelopment project for Chennai Egmore Railway Station, aiming to transform it into a world-class facility while preserving its heritage value. The project includes constructing new station buildings, arrival and departure concourses, multi-level parking facilities, and enhanced passenger amenities, with completion expected within 36 months.

Architecture & Features

  • Indo-Saracenic Architecture: Renowned for its Indo-Saracenic architectural style, featuring imposing domes and corridors that reflect a blend of Indian and Islamic architectural elements

  • Platforms and Tracks: The station comprises 11 platforms and 12 tracks, accommodating both long-distance express trains and suburban services

  • Imposing Domes: Distinctive domes that are characteristic of the Indo-Saracenic style

  • Corridors: Spacious corridors connecting different sections of the station

  • Heritage Value: The station's architectural heritage is being preserved during the ongoing redevelopment project

  • Modern Amenities: Enhanced passenger amenities including waiting halls, commercial facilities, and improved infrastructure

  • Multi-level Parking: Parking facilities as part of the redevelopment project

Activities & Highlights

  • Boarding and alighting from long-distance express trains to southern Tamil Nadu

  • Using suburban railway services for local travel

  • Admiring the Indo-Saracenic architecture with imposing domes and corridors

  • Connecting to Chennai Metro from the adjacent Egmore Metro Station

  • Using the station as a transit hub for connecting to various destinations in southern India

  • Accessing commercial facilities and passenger amenities

  • Photography of the historic station building and architecture

Notable Train Services

  • Chennai Egmore–Nagercoil Junction Vande Bharat Express: Operates six days a week, covering approximately 724 km in 8 hours with an average speed of 90 km/h

  • Chennai Egmore–Kanniyakumari Express: A daily overnight superfast train connecting Chennai Egmore to Kanniyakumari, covering the journey in about 11 hours and 20 minutes

  • Various Express and Superfast Trains: Multiple train services connecting Chennai to destinations across southern Tamil Nadu and beyond

Location & Connectivity

  • Location: Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

  • Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport, Chennai – approx. 18 km

  • Major Railway Stations:

    • Chennai Central Railway Station – approx. 3 km

  • Metro Station: Egmore Metro Station (Chennai Metro Green Line) – located adjacent to the railway station, providing seamless transit options

  • Bus Services: Well-connected through Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses

The station is strategically located in the Egmore neighborhood, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city and serving as a major transportation hub connecting Chennai to southern Tamil Nadu.

Communication & Transport Modes

Chennai Egmore is well connected by road, rail, and metro. The station serves as a major railway terminal, handling approximately 150,000 passengers daily, making it the second busiest railway station in Chennai. The Egmore Metro Station, part of the Chennai Metro's Green Line, is located adjacent to the railway station, providing seamless transit options for commuters. The station is connected to suburban railway services, offering local train connectivity. 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 southern Tamil Nadu, connecting Chennai to major destinations in the region through its extensive railway network.

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