Why Southern Railway has revised AC suburban train timings in Chennai

CHENNAI: Citing low patronage and poor alignment with office and school timings, Southern Railway has revised the schedule of its new AC EMU services in the Chennai Beach–Tambaram–Chengalpet section. The new timings will come into effect on May 2.

Introduced on April 19, the AC EMU services initially saw poor occupancy on early morning trips, especially the 5.45 am Tambaram–Chennai Beach service.

Passenger feedback also flagged poor evening connectivity, with return services missing the 6–6.30 pm office rush.

Following over 600 feedback entries, Southern Railway advanced the arrival of Train No 49004 (Chengalpet–Chennai Beach) and realigned evening services.

Under the new schedule, Train No 49001 departs Tambaram at 6.50 am for Chengalpet, and Train No 49002 leaves Chengalpet at 7.50 am, reaching Chennai Beach by 9.25 am. Evening services include Train No. 49007, departing Chennai Beach at 6.17 pm towards Chengalpet.

Eight services will operate daily, except on Sundays. Temporary non-stoppage at Tirusulam station will apply for some services until May 19, after which regular halts will resume.