The first railway station in south India, opened in 1856 as the original Madras terminus of the Madras Railway. Still operational as a suburban halt, it is one of the oldest surviving railway structures in India.
Suburban services run from approximately 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Platform ticket ₹10
Highlights
- Opened on 1 July 1856 as the terminus of the first railway line in south India, running from Royapuram to Arcot (Walajah Road)
- Served as the principal railway station of Madras before operations shifted to Madras Central (now Chennai Central) in 1873
- The original station building with its arched facade and colonial-era masonry still stands alongside the platform
- Currently operates as a suburban railway halt on the Chennai Beach to Gummidipoondi suburban line
- Located in the historic Royapuram neighbourhood, adjacent to the Chennai Fishing Harbour
- Designated a heritage structure by Indian Railways; periodic restoration work has preserved key architectural features
Location
Explore Royapuram
Discover more about the Royapuram neighbourhood, including transport, healthcare, and other attractions.
More Places to Visit
Fort St. George
The first English fortress in India (1644), now housing the Tamil Nadu Legislature and a museum.
Valluvar Kottam
A monument dedicated to the Tamil poet-philosopher Thiruvalluvar, featuring a temple chariot replica in stone.
Vivekanandar Illam (Ice House)
A heritage building where Swami Vivekananda stayed in 1897, originally built in 1842 as an ice storage facility.