Chennai’s first AC suburban train sits idle

CHENNAI: Even as Central Railway launched 14 new air-conditioned suburban services on April 16, Chennai's first AC EMU rake — meant for the Beach–Tambaram-Chengalpet route — remains unused at the Tambaram car shed. The fully built rake completed its trial runs last month but wasn't inaugurated.
Originally slated for launch in the first week of April, alongside the Pamban bridge inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the rake's debut was postponed. Sources in Southern Railway said initial trials revealed vibration issues in the air-conditioning unit while operating on the city's suburban tracks. Though the fault was rectified, the train's launch is now held up for "VIP date availability."
Tambaram-based resident-activist Dayanand Krishnan said Central Railway, which runs suburban services in Mumbai, is prioritising commuter convenience. "Southern Railway wants to wait for a celebration moment instead of simply putting a functional rake to use. It's not a new train — it's just an AC version, already common in other cities," he said.
The delay comes at a time when commuters are battling peak summer heat. "We desperately need AC trains, especially since MTC barely has 50 air-conditioned buses for the whole city," said Varadharajapuram resident B Ganesh, a regular suburban train user.
Unlike regular suburban trains, the new AC service won't run all day. It will operate in two slots — 5.45am to 10.30am and 3.45pm to 8.30pm — with a five-hour break in between for maintenance at Tambaram. The break will be used to service the only AC rake currently available.
The service will also skip several stations between Chennai Beach and Chengalpet, halting at just 12 key stops such as Mambalam, Guindy, St Thomas Mount, Tambaram, Perungalathur, Potheri, and Paranur. However, if the train runs only between Chennai Beach and Tambaram, it will stop at all stations. Fares are expected to range from 30 to 50, similar to Chennai Metro Rail.