CHENNAI: Thousands of commuters on the city's southern fringes are expected to cheer when the fourth line between Tambaram and Chengalpet becomes operational within a week, helping maintain the punctuality of suburban train services operated on the section.
On Thursday, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspected the track and a special train with seven coaches was operated at a speed of 130kmph to test the endurance. The CRS will soon issue a certificate before trains can be operated regularly.
The CRS had earlier inspected the track laid between Gudvancherry and Chengalpet on the Tambaram-Chengalpet section and, after trial runs, gave the certificate of approval for operating regular services. A sum of 256 crore was spent on laying the fourth track between Tambaram and Chengalpet, covering a distance of 30km. All the stations on the stretch are ready for use by commuters, the official added.
Currently, a senior Southern Railway official said three tracks on the Tambaram-Chengalpet section are being used for operating suburban train services on the Chengalpet-Chennai Beach section, Chennai Beach-Chengalpet section, south-bound express trains and those coming from the south.
Chennai division of Southern Railway operates 20 pairs of suburban trains on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpet section during the morning peak hours and an equal number in the evenings. Between 6pm and 9pm, about 14 south-bound trains are operated from Egmore, besides those passing through Egmore station. The priority is for the operation of long distance trains. Suburban trains are operated with a time gap of five minutes between two long distance trains.
"Any delay in the operation of a suburban train service on the section will affect the departure of long distance trains. Now, with the availability of the new line on the Tambaram-Chengalpet section, this problem can be overcome. The suburban trains can be operated regularly, and they can maintain punctuality," the official said.
Operation of the new line will surely come as a relief for thousands of commuters, those living in the numerous residential neighbourhoods that have sprung up between Tambaram and Chengalpet over the years, who use suburban trains on this section to travel to the city and back every day.
All train services on this section are packed during the morning and evening rush hour, with commuters demanding from every platform available for the introduction of more services.
