CHENNAI: Almost two years after the idea was proposed, the state government has approached the urban development ministry and railways with a proposal to allow Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to take over the Mass Rapid Transit System ( MRTS ). The idea is to integrate the city’s rail-based transport systems for a smoother ride for commuters.

The railway board is looking into the proposal, which CMRL made when it did up a comprehensive urban transportation study a few years ago. The study found that MRTS was poorly linked to bus routes and the services were infrequent.

If the CMRL takeover of MRTS materialises, the old system will get a new shot of blood with modernised stations, integrated ticketing systems and better facilities for passengers. Officials said having a single parent agency for both metro rail and MRTS will improve frequency of services taking into consideration passenger demands, and also lead to better maintenance.

A senior metro rail official said the initial response from railways is positive. “We are hoping for the best. Besides the formal proposals sent by the state government to the ministries (urban development and railways), chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s memorandum the Prime Minister also mentioned it,” he said.

A senior CMRL official said the physical integration of MRTS and CMRL is likely to take place soon as the Madras high court recently dismissed petitions against land acquisition for Phase II of MRTS, a Rs 495 crore project linking Velachery and St Thomas Mount. “After Kathipara where the two metro rail networks meet, St Thomas Mount will be a point with maximum passenger traffic. We have completed 3.7km of the 5km stretch of MRTS phase II,” said a railway official.

Senior officials said the state holds a major stake in MRTS, which is operated by railways. The first phase was completed in 1997 with funds from the Centre and land provided by the state. Phase II and its extension is partially funded by the state.

