EMU derailment affects MMC-Avadi train services for 12 hours

Two coaches (second and third coaches from the front) of train no: 43127 derailed at Avadi station around 11.25 pm on Tuesday while leaving Avadi station. Restoration works commenced under the supervision of Divisional Railway Manager Naveen Gulati and were completed around 3.15 am on Wednesday.

The first coach was put back on track at 2.20am, while the second coach consumed another hour. Traffic was restored on one line of the route at 10 am and the second line was opened for traffic a couple of hours later, after the track and overhead equipment were repaired.

Suburban trains starting from MMC to Avadi, Sulurpetta, Arakkonam, Sulurpetta to Nellore, Arakkonam to Tirupati, Tirupati to Nellore and Nellore to MMC were fully cancelled owing to the derailment. No injuries were reported.

Passenger specials were operated by Chennai railway division from MMC at 30 minute interval to Tirutani, Tiruvallur, Pattabiram military siding and Arakkonam till 10 am. 

Thousands of commuters for whom the suburban train services were the lifeline had a harrowing time making alternative travel arrangements in the morning.