Chennai: Suburban rail commuters in Chennai faced major inconvenience on Friday following a sharp reduction in electric train services and signal malfunctions coinciding with the commencement of a 45-day major maintenance work at Chennai Egmore railway station.

According to railway authorities, the number of suburban electric multiple unit (EMU) services on affected routes has been reduced to 164 trains per day. Services on the Tambaram–Chengalpattu–Kanchipuram–Tirumalpur–Arakkonam corridor and the Tambaram–Chennai section were curtailed as part of the operational adjustments during the maintenance period.

The situation worsened on Friday morning after a signal malfunction occurred during platform shifting operations on the Tambaram–Chennai Beach route. Trains that were earlier operating from platforms 10 and 11 were shifted to platforms 5 and 6, leading to confusion and delays. Although the signal issue was rectified around 9 am, several trains remained stranded on the tracks, forcing some passengers to alight and walk towards nearby stations or access roads.

With train frequency reduced to nearly one service every 30 minutes on certain stretches, heavy congestion was reported at Tambaram, Chromepet, Pallavaram and Guindy stations. The rush intensified due to the auspicious Friday, traditionally associated with higher passenger turnout.

Overcrowding led to chaotic scenes, with commuters boarding whichever coach was accessible after prolonged waits. Women’s compartments and first-class coaches were reportedly occupied by general passengers, creating difficulties for women travellers and valid first-class ticket holders. Personnel of the Railway Protection Force struggled to manage the swelling crowds.

Bus Services Under Scrutiny

Amid rail disruptions, commuters also raised concerns about inadequate bus services. The Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) had announced additional services on Broadway–Tambaram, Tambaram–Chengalpattu and Pallavaram–Chengalpattu routes. However, several passengers alleged that the promised extra buses were either insufficient or did not operate as announced.

Commuters further claimed that the number of free white-board ordinary buses, including services earmarked for general passengers and women, had decreased, while costlier deluxe buses were operating in greater numbers. Women passengers, in particular, reported difficulties in accessing affordable transport options.

A commuter at Tambaram station said that the additional buses promised by the authorities were not visible on the ground and that many routes were being served primarily by higher-fare deluxe services.

Authorities Deny Service Cuts

Officials of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation denied any reduction in bus services. An MTC official stated that no buses had been withdrawn and attributed the strain to an unusually high passenger load, particularly the surge in women commuters due to the auspicious occasion. The official added that efforts were underway to deploy special buses for women on high-demand routes.

Some commuters suggested fare concessions during the 45-day maintenance period, citing operational strain and staff leave. The Transport Department, however, maintained that replacement personnel were being hired and services were being managed to the best possible extent.

The railway administration has appealed to passengers for cooperation during the 45-day maintenance period, while commuters continue to demand restoration of normal train frequency and affordable bus services to ease daily travel hardships. DeshGujarat