Chattanooga is making steady progress toward bringing passenger trains back to the city, offering a potential third travel option alongside driving and flying. The proposed Sunbelt-Atlantic Connector would link the area to major regional cities including Atlanta, Nashville, and Memphis, with future extensions possible across the East Coast. City leaders say the project could ease traffic congestion along I-24, strengthen economic development, and boost tourism by making regional travel more accessible and efficient.

The research phase which is funded by a $500,000 Federal Railroad Administration grant, is now nearing completion. Officials are shifting focus to logistics and engineering details such as station locations, track improvements, and safety at rail crossings. Much of the existing rail infrastructure is already in place and currently used for freight, though some upgrades will be required to support passenger service. While trains will not be running immediately, they remain optimistic, estimating the full project could take five to seven years if funding and planning continue as expected.