Thousands of commuters throng Tambaram termini over cancellations of EMUs

CHENNAI: Tambaram railway station and bus terminus witnessed heavy footfall on Sunday (July 5) as 41 suburban train services between Tambaram-Chennai Beach-Tambaram were cancelled for five hours for track maintenance.

The situation even left several commuters stranded, forcing many to travel in unsafe conditions.

Railway authorities had suspended services between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm to carry out maintenance work on the suburban corridor.

The cancelled services affected trains operating between Chennai Beach and Tambaram, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, Tirumalpur and Arakkonam. A few special train services and 50 additional Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses were operated to manage the rush.

However, the arrangements proved inadequate as Sunday coincided with an auspicious day, resulting in a surge of passengers travelling to family functions, markets and other destinations. Large crowds began gathering at Tambaram railway station from around 9.30 am, ahead of the service suspension.

With commuters anticipating a long gap before the next train, suburban services arriving from Chengalpattu towards Chennai Beach were packed beyond capacity. Passengers, including women, were seen travelling dangerously on footboards.

All coaches, including first-class and ladies' compartments, were overcrowded, causing severe inconvenience to women commuters.

After train services were halted at 10.30 am, thousands of passengers moved to the Tambaram bus terminus, leading to long queues and overcrowding.

Although MTC operated 50 additional buses, many were deluxe, low-floor electric or express services.

Women passengers, particularly those from rural areas who depend on the State's free travel scheme on ordinary buses, expressed disappointment, as they were forced either to pay higher fares or wait for regular services.

The overcrowding also made boarding difficult for women, senior citizens and persons with health issues.

To assist commuters, the police deployed the Singappen Special Force members at key locations inside the bus terminus.

The personnel guided women passengers, provided information on bus routes and boarding points, and monitored crowded areas to ensure their safety.

Women commuters widely appreciated this service.

Railway authorities have announced that a similar five-hour maintenance block will be carried out on July 12 (upcoming Sunday), during which another 41 suburban train services will be cancelled between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm.

As July 12 falls on another auspicious day and the onset of the Tamil month of Aadi, the public has urged transport authorities to operate more ordinary buses to accommodate those eligible for free travel.