When the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) was proposed in the 1970s for Chennai, it was envisioned as the first mass public transport corridor to run on an elevated section in the country, years before the Metro Rail was even an idea in India. In anticipation of good patronage, humongous railway stations were built in one go, along with various passenger amenities such as escalators, lifts, and toilets.

Built in phases, the full MRTS service from Beach to Velachery was launched in November 2007. It was extended to St. Thomas Mount this year. The MRTS project, including the extension, had suffered delays of several decades.