Suburban Train Cancellations in Chennai Cause Commuter Hardship

The cancellation of suburban train services on the Beach-Chengalpattu route via Tambaram in Chennai, India, has inconvenienced hundreds of commuters for the second consecutive week. The Southern Railway’s Chennai division canceled 44 trains between 11 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. due to maintenance work at Kodambakkam and Tambaram railway stations.

However, 14 special trains were operated from Tambaram to Chengalpattu in both directions to alleviate commuter difficulties. The lack of train services led to heavy traffic on GST Road, affecting weekend shoppers and those attending the India vs. Australia World Cup cricket match at Chepauk. Railway officials noted that maintenance work and safety measures could only be undertaken on Sundays, and the work was scheduled for four hours during non-peak times.