Train Reductions Cause Chaos on Southern Routes

Chaotic scenes with large crowds have become common at major railway stations on the Beach–Tambaram and Chengalpattu routes. This is because Southern Railway has reduced the number of trains starting Tuesday, February 24, 2026, due to ongoing redevelopment work at Egmore railway station.

Earlier, Southern Railway had announced that train services would be reduced from February 20 to April 5, a period of 45 days. The reduction is part of efforts to modernize Egmore station, including upgrading platforms, improving passenger facilities, and enhancing safety measures.

Thousands of office-goers and daily commuters from the southern suburbs—including Chengalpattu, Perungalathur, Guduvanchery, Tambaram, and Pallavaram—are facing difficulties because of fewer trains. Many commuters are forced to wait longer, and some have reported overcrowded trains that make daily travel uncomfortable and stressful.

During peak hours, platforms at stations like Tambaram and Beach have been overflowing with people, leading to long queues at ticket counters and entry gates. Commuters have expressed frustration, saying that delays and packed coaches are making it harder to reach work on time.

Southern Railway has urged passengers to plan their journeys in advance, avoid peak travel if possible, and consider alternative transport such as buses, shared cabs, or suburban trains on less crowded routes. Officials also said that additional staff are being deployed to manage crowds and ensure safety at busy stations.

The redevelopment of Egmore station is part of a broader plan by Southern Railway to modernize key stations in the city and improve the overall travel experience for passengers. Officials have requested the public to bear with the temporary inconvenience, assuring that services will return to normal after April 5.