MGR Chennai Central retiring rooms renovation to upgrade stays

Southern Railway’s MGR Chennai Central retiring rooms renovation is set to refresh the station’s short-stay options, with officials describing the target as a more premium, star-hotel-like experience for passengers, as reported by Times of India.

Current facilities at MGR Chennai Central station

Right now, the station offers nine air-conditioned rooms. There are also dormitories at the concourse level: a 23-bed air-conditioned male dormitory and a five-bed female dormitory. Stays are available for short durations, with bookings offered for up to ₹500 for three hours.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Southern Railway Chennai division plan and tender model

An official from the Southern Railway Chennai division said unused vacant space at the concourse will also be developed to improve the experience for travellers who want a short stay before or after a long journey, according to a Southern Railway Chennai Division press release. As part of the makeover of the retiring rooms and dormitories, the railways will outsource the facility to an agency.

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Parties with prior experience in the hospitality sector can take part in the open tender to develop the facility and maintain it for five years, with the term extendable by up to four years. The modernisation will be carried out under the renovate, operate, maintain, and transfer model, a plan also noted by DT Next, with the stated aim of providing a more comfortable, contemporary and pleasant stay in line with present-day standards.

Location, access and affordability concerns

The retiring rooms are located near commercial outlets, restaurants, eateries and other essential amenities, and passengers can reach the platforms easily.

Civic activist T Sadagopan welcomed the move but questioned whether the upgraded facility would remain affordable for all passengers. He warned that if tariffs are raised to premium levels, many travellers may not be able to afford the accommodation.

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