Ambattur commuters continue to wait for 4th platform, morning halts for fast trains

CHENNAI: The demand for Ambattur railway station’s fourth-platform continues to remain unfulfilled while commuters from Arakkonam face a peculiar disparity in services: fast locals that skip Ambattur in the morning largely stop there on their return journeys in the evening.

The Ambattur Rail Commuters Welfare Association has now taken up the issue with TR Baalu, Sriperumbudur MP, seeking his intervention with the Railways for the construction of the platform, more train halts and an upgrade of the station from its present SG3 category to Non-Suburban Group (NSG).

“Seven fast locals arriving in the morning do not stop at Ambattur. After Tirunindravur, they run non-stop to Villivakkam. The situation is different in the evening. Of the 9 fast locals, 8 stop at Ambattur on the return journey. The one exception is a MEMU whose next stop is Perambur because of congestion at Chennai Central,” said L Saravanan, association president.

Commuters opined that additional platforms were crucial for those travelling towards Chennai. Those from the outskirts towards Ambattur Industrial Estate, including IT employees, were affected by the lack of morning halts.

The association has sought stoppages at Ambattur for the Arakkonam–Chennai–Arakkonam Fast Local, Garudadri Express, Tirupati Express, Chennai–Ashokapuram Express and Chennai–Mumbai Express. It has also sought increasing the 66021 Fast Local MEMU from eight to 12 coaches and providing it an evening halt at Ambattur.

The other major demand is an upgrade of Ambattur from SG3 to NSG. “Ambattur recorded more than 10 million passengers in 2022-23, handling around 50,000 passengers daily. Under the SG3 category, the shelter provision is limited to 50 sq m, while an NSG classification would provide for a larger allocation. Seating, a waiting hall and a canteen would also become part of the additional facilities,” Saravanan added.

With Amrit Bharat Station works under way at Varadharajapuram, commuters also demanded a new entrance with ticketing and ATVM facilities at Venkatapuram, along with bulk booking and reservation facilities at Varadharajapuram.