In a significant push to strengthen rail connectivity to Tamil Nadu’s tourism heartland, Southern Railway is working on an ambitious plan to transform Mettupalayam Railway Station into a key rail hub for travellers heading to the Nilgiris, including Ooty and Coonoor.
The railway zone has approached the Railway Board with a proposal to introduce a mix of new and extended train services from Mettupalayam, aiming to cater to rising tourist demand as well as the mobility needs of local commuters.
Strategic gateway to the Nilgiris
Located at the foothills of the Nilgiris in Coimbatore district, Mettupalayam serves as the nearest broad-gauge railhead to the iconic Nilgiri Mountain Railway, which ferries passengers up to Ooty. With tourist footfall steadily rising from across India, the station’s importance as a transit point has grown sharply.
Adding to this, the urban sprawl of Coimbatore is gradually extending towards Mettupalayam, intensifying the demand for direct train connectivity from the station.
Infra upgrade underway
To support the planned expansion, Southern Railway is fast-tracking infrastructure upgrades at Mettupalayam. Key works include yard remodelling with two additional loop lines and the construction of a new island platform. These upgrades are expected to be completed by July 2026, paving the way for the rollout of new services.
Six-trains plan: One new, five extensions
The proposal outlines six train services originating or extended to Mettupalayam:
- A new daily train connecting Mettupalayam–Podanur–Pollachi–Rameswaram
- Extension of the Vande Bharat Express (Coimbatore–Chennai) up to Mettupalayam (six days a week)
- Extension of Coimbatore–Mangalore service to Mettupalayam
- Extension of Coimbatore–Madurai service
- Extension of Coimbatore–Kannur service
- Another extension of Coimbatore–Mangalore route to originate from Mettupalayam
Of these, one will be a brand-new train, while the remaining five are extensions of existing services, significantly improving network access without major operational overhauls.
Targeting August 2026 rollout
Southern Railway is aiming to operationalise the expanded services by August 2026, shortly after the infrastructure works are completed.
If executed on schedule, the plan could redefine how tourists access the Nilgiris—offering smoother, more direct rail options and positioning Mettupalayam as a major gateway to one of South India’s most visited hill destinations.