Come March, Chennai commuters may enjoy air-conditioned local train services on the Chennai Beach-Tambaram route, helping them beat the summer heat. The 12-car AC rake, built at ICF, can accommodate around 5,700 passengers per trip, with seating for 1,320. The train is expected to be handed over to the Chennai division within two weeks, with trial runs set to begin in mid-February.
Chennai divisional railway manager B. Vishwanath Eerya confirmed that the AC service is likely to be introduced in March, with the number of daily trips being finalized. A second AC rake has also been allocated by the Railway Board.
As per the current fare model, the AC EMU ticket price will be 1.3 times that of a first-class non-AC ticket. If Southern Railway follows Mumbai’s fare structure, the Beach-Tambaram journey (28.6 km) could cost around ₹95. However, officials stated that final fare details will be announced at the time of service launch.
The Tamil Nadu government had earlier proposed manufacturing AC coaches for Chennai’s suburban network, but the initiative has not progressed. Meanwhile, passengers eagerly await the new service, which promises a more comfortable commute in the city’s expanding transport network.
