Nine wagons of a goods train, coming in from Thoothukudi, derailed near the Chengalpattu railway station on Sunday (December 10, 2023) night. The derailment caused disruptions in the EMU services to Chennai, affecting office-goers on Monday.
Preliminary reports said the goods train, with 38 wagons was laden with iron material and other items. The wheels of nine wagons disengaged from the track, derailing the train, and also leading to the track getting damaged.
Many commuters, office-goers and college students were left stranded at Chengalpattu railway station as services of Chennai-bound EMU trains were affected.
“From 7 a.m., there has been no train from here and we are waiting at the station. There is no announcement as well, about when services will be restored,” a commuter at Chengalpattu station said.
EMU services from Egmore and the arrival of express trains from southern districts have also been affected.
Restoration work ongoing
In meantime, Southern Railway said in press release that restoration work is ongoing. Nine wagons were derailed, it said, and following the incident, all south-bound mail/express trains are running as per schedule. EMU trains from Chennai Beach to Chengalpattu are being short terminated at Singaperumal Koil. EMU trains from Kancheepuram and Arakkonam are running as usual. There is no disruption in express train services.
A team of higher officials and engineering crew are at the spot. Restoration work is progressing at a brisk pace, the press release said.
