CHENNAI: Following the announcement about the stoppage at Ambattur railway station for Train 16089 Yelagiri express which departs from Chennai Central and operates up to Jolarpettai, Ambattur railway passengers have demanded a stoppage on the opposite side towards Central. They also want an express platform to be constructed at the station.
The stoppage at Ambattur had earlier been suspended during COVID period due to infrastructural constraints in accommodating a 24-coach train on Platform 3.
With the recent extension of the platform length, the necessary infrastructure has now been made available, enabling the restoration of the halt. “The reinstatement of this stoppage will be a relief for thousands of workers who commute daily from distant locations beyond Arakkonam, including Katpadi to Ambattur Industrial Estate and nearby commercial establishments. It will greatly facilitate their return journey after work and stands as a practical and meaningful benefit to the working community,” said a commuter.
Ambattur railway station currently lacks a platform express line in the Chennai-bound (towards Chennai Central) direction. Due to the non-availability of this platform, fast local and express trains are unable to halt at Ambattur while travelling towards Chennai.
“The implementation of this long-pending demand will enable halts for fast local and express services, significantly improving connectivity, reducing travel time, and easing congestion for thousands of daily commuters,” said L Saravanan, president, Ambattur Rail Commuters Welfare Association. “We also don’t have direct access to the newly constructed subway from platforms 2 and 3 not accessible. There is no FOB to cross from Varadarajapuram to Ambattur market.”
When contacted, a senior official told DT Next, “There is sufficient space in the Ambattur railway station. There are plans for additional platforms for express trains. It would likely be possible after the Perambur-Ambattur line is completed.”