Uncertainty looms over resumption of suburban rail services

May 11 is observed as Electric Traction Day in commemoration of the operation of the city’s first suburban train on this day in 1931.

While railway sources revealed that the state was favourably disposed to resume skeletal suburban services in the ensuing weeks, railway managers have their fingers crossed. “Unlike buses, it is not easy to ensure strict adherence to social distancing in suburban trains. Operating express/mail trains for reserved passengers is different. But, there is no reservation in suburban segment. How will we restrict passengers on board suburban trains?” asked a SR officer requesting anonymity.

“Resuming EMU service effectively means resuming normalcy, because we must reopen ticket counters for operating suburban trains. The government does not want to open counters, which is understandable because we cannot allow people queuing up outside ticket counters at stations,” reasoned a railway officer requesting anonymity.

“Like reserved tickets, we could restrict it to season ticket holders in suburban trains. Even that is a big number. Government can consider extension of season ticket validity to avoid people queuing up outside counters. Anyhow, the decision rests with the governments. If they advise us to resume operations, we will,” the officer added.

Moreover, policing EMUs with RPF staff would not be easy. “Most of the travellers are unorganised workers. It is not easy to restrict them. We should also consider their livelihood. Maintaining social distance by restricting passenger occupancy aboard local trains is very difficult,” remarked a train guard on Chennai Beach – Tambaram section.