Redevelopment work at Chennai Egmore Railway Station has entered a crucial phase, resulting in temporary disruptions to suburban electric train (EMU) services and causing inconvenience to thousands of daily commuters.
Platform Works Trigger Service Changes
As part of the station modernisation project, construction activities have commenced on Platforms 10 and 11 — platforms that were previously used for suburban EMU operations. With these platforms now closed for redevelopment, suburban train services have been shifted to Platforms 5 and 6.
EMU services have been operating under this revised arrangement, leading to a significant reduction in suburban train frequency for a period of 45 days. The curtailed services have impacted office-goers, students and other daily passengers who rely heavily on the Egmore suburban network.
In view of the disruption, Southern Railway has sought public cooperation and announced temporary arrangements to ease commuter hardship.
To support suburban passengers, the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) has deployed 60 additional buses from Egmore and nearby areas.
Additional Bus Services Deployed
The special bus services include:
8 buses operating via the Secretariat route
5 buses via the Nungambakkam route
27 buses running from Royapuram Temporary Bus Stand to Kilambakkam
15 buses from Pallavaram via Tambaram to Chengalpattu
These services are aimed at reducing congestion and ensuring commuters can reach major transit hubs and residential areas despite reduced train operations.
Railway authorities have emphasised that the inconvenience is temporary and necessary for the larger goal of transforming Chennai Egmore into a modern, upgraded railway station. The redevelopment project is expected to enhance passenger amenities, improve infrastructure and increase operational efficiency in the long term.
The modified suburban train schedule is expected to remain in effect for approximately 45 days, until major platform construction works are completed. Officials have appealed to passengers for patience and cooperation during this period of transition.