The Chennai Beach–Chengalpattu suburban train route, a critical lifeline for thousands of daily commuters, is witnessing severe overcrowding, making travel a daily struggle, passengers lament. This 60-kilometer stretch, which passes through 28 stations, serves major transit hubs such as Tambaram, key tech parks, educational institutions, and the Kilambakkam bus stand. However, passengers report that the frequency of services remains inadequate, particularly after peak morning hours, exacerbating congestion.
Commuters say that a noticeable one-hour gap in train services after 9.51 am, which is a major contributor to the crowding problem. While suburban trains operate every 20–30 minutes from 3.50 am to 9.51 am, there is no direct Chengalpattu-bound train from Chennai Beach until 10.56 am. This forces passengers to board earlier services, leading to excessive crowding.
K. Baskar, Secretary of the Tiruvallur Train Passengers Association, pointed out that the rapid development in the southern parts of Chennai has only worsened the situation. He urged railway authorities to increase train frequency and prioritize the long-proposed fourth track to ease congestion.
Passengers complain that even first-class compartments, meant to provide a relatively comfortable journey, are as packed as general compartments during peak hours. Sudarshan, a daily commuter, remarked, “I sometimes feel like I should travel with a regular Rs 5 ticket instead of paying Rs 55 for first-class, as there’s no difference in the rush.”
Another passenger, Naveen Ponnusamy, shared a similar experience. “By the time the train reaches Guduvanchery, five stations from Paranur, all seats are taken, and people are forced to stand even in first-class compartments,” he said.
Inadequate services beyond Tambaram
While suburban train services between Chennai Beach and Tambaram are relatively frequent, passengers say that the number of trains running beyond Tambaram to Chengalpattu is insufficient. Naina Masilamani, a member of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC), questioned why Southern Railways cannot extend some of the Chennai Beach–Tambaram trains to Chengalpattu. “The patronage for Chengalpattu-bound trains is very high. Extending services could ease the rush,” he said.
Adding to commuter frustration, passengers allege that suburban trains are frequently delayed to accommodate express trains. Sudarshan noted that despite the introduction of a third track two years ago to separate local trains from express services, the situation remains unchanged.
A railway official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the current train timetable was drafted in March 2024 based on demand, occupancy, and travel patterns. “Since there is low patronage between 9.51 am and 10.56 am, we utilize this hour for maintenance if needed. However, we have not received specific complaints regarding this gap. If a significant number of people raise concerns, we will look into the issue,” the official said.
According to recent reports, 60 of the 750 suburban trains operated by the Southern Railways have been removed citing track maintenance and station upgradation. This has also added to the woes of the commuters.