Mambalam Railway Station Upgrade Nears Completion.

Chennai’s Mambalam railway station, a key transit point on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpet section, is in the final stages of its ₹14.7 crore upgrade under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS) and is expected to be ready by the end of this month.

The modernization project aims to transform the NSG-3 category station—handling 32,000 passengers daily—into a more commuter-friendly hub with improved infrastructure and enhanced amenities.

As part of the redevelopment, additional booking counters are being introduced to manage growing passenger demand, while a pedestrian plaza with clear signage will improve accessibility. Platforms are being resurfaced, shelters are being added for commuter comfort, and the station’s facade is receiving a facelift on both the eastern and western sides.

To address parking congestion, existing parking areas near both the main entry and Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) side are being expanded with a hard floor surface. Passenger information systems are also being upgraded with modern display boards and an improved public announcement system for real-time train updates. Security is being enhanced with CCTV surveillance across key areas, according to an official release.

Mambalam station serves as a crucial link in Chennai’s railway network, accommodating over 200 suburban trains and more than 90 mail/express services daily across five platforms. It connects commuters to major commercial hubs such as Ranganathan Street, the city's textile and jewellery markets, and key religious landmarks.

Despite these improvements, access to the station remains a challenge.

"The narrow streets connecting the station to North Usman Road—Ranganathan Street, Ramanathan Street, Natesan Street, and Rangan Street—are heavily encroached upon, making pedestrian movement difficult," said D. Aravindan, a T Nagar resident.

The pedestrian walkway linking the T Nagar bus stand to the station is also poorly maintained, with frequent lighting failures, making it unsafe, especially at night. "The stretch is often occupied by drunk men, creating safety concerns," said G. Aarthy, a daily commuter.

ET