Chennai Beach - Chintadaripet MRTS Services Temporarily Suspended for Fourth Line Works
Posted on: 25/Aug/2023 9:06:38 AM
In a move to enhance the connectivity and efficiency of the Chennai suburban railway network, MRTS services between Chennai Beach and Chintadaripet stations will undergo a temporary suspension starting from August 27th. This suspension is in line with the commencement of the much-awaited fourth line construction between Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore. The project, valued at Rs 279 crore, aims to alleviate congestion on this critical railway corridor.
Mr. Viswanath Eerya, Divisional Railway Manager, Chennai, revealed this development during a press conference at the divisional headquarters. He explained that the Chennai Beach - Chintadaripet MRTS section will remain suspended for seven months to facilitate the necessary infrastructure upgrades. During this period, commuters will still have access to MRTS services in the Chintadaripet - Velachery section.
To ensure minimal disruption for passengers, the railway management is collaborating with the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) to operate special shuttle services between Chennai Beach and Chintadaripet. This move will mitigate the inconvenience caused by the temporary suspension and offer commuters alternative transportation options.
The current schedule includes 122 EMU train services operating in the Chennai - Velachery MRTS section. Following the suspension between Chennai Beach and Chintadaripet, 80 MRTS services (40 pairs) will operate between Chintadaripet and Velachery. The remaining services, which are currently cross-sectoral, will be rerouted to/from Chennai Beach.
To manage the increased passenger flow, additional Railway Protection Force (RPF) staff will be deployed at various stations. Furthermore, 11 trains originating from Gummidipoondi and 48 trains from Avadi on the south-west line, bound for Velachery, will be terminated at Chennai Beach and then reversed. This change has been necessitated due to space constraints at Chepauk station.
When asked about the project`s timeline, Mr. Eerya assured that the railway authorities are committed to completing the fourth line work within seven months. This additional line will significantly reduce congestion on this busy rail corridor, benefiting both express and suburban train services. The long-standing demand for this expansion has now been realized, and once completed, it will contribute to a more efficient and convenient rail commute for thousands of passengers in Chennai.
