Chennai, 24 February (H.S.) : Southern Railway has announced a further reduction in suburban train services on the crucial Beach–Tambaram–Chengalpattu corridor starting Tuesday.

This revised schedule, which will remain in effect until April 5, comes after several days of significant travel disruptions characterized by heavy crowding and irregular train intervals.

According to the new timetable released by the authorities, the number of regular EMU services has been slashed to 115, a sharp decline from the 204 services operated during normal periods and the 164 services maintained during the initial phase of ongoing railway works.

To partially offset this significant cut, the railway administration has introduced 26 shuttle services. These shuttle trains are designed to operate between Egmore and St.

Thomas Mount, as well as between Guduvanchery and Chengalpattu via the main line. However, officials noted that these specific shuttle services will skip several intermediate stations, including Kodambakkam, Nungambakkam, and Chetpet.

Furthermore, all AC suburban services between Chennai Beach and Tambaram have been fully cancelled for this period, with no AC EMU trains scheduled to run on Sundays.

In an effort to streamline connectivity despite the reductions, Southern Railway has temporarily extended weekday Tambaram–Gummidipoondi services up to Chengalpattu. Additionally, authorities have introduced new halts for select fast EMU services at St. Thomas Mount to facilitate better interchange options for commuters.

Railway officials have urged the public to plan their journeys according to the revised timings to avoid inconvenience. These measures are part of the broader administrative strategy to manage the passenger rush while essential infrastructure work continues across the metropolitan corridor.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary