[1]While Chennai is gearing up for multi-crore Metro and monorail projects, railway passengers on the Chennai Beach-Gumidippondi section feel neglected. Most commuters and members of rail passenger associations complain that the trains operated in the section are inadequate.
Fourth line work on the Chennai Beach-Attipattu stretch had been proposed over five years back, but the project is yet to take off, causing congestion on the Central-Gummidipoondi stretch.
Despite several reminders, the Railways has failed to expedite the work, said Mr D. Dhanushkodi, the general secretary of the Railway Season Ticket Holders Association.
Worse, the jam-packed rail route has only two compartments dedicated for women and one of them has been made first class. Commuters grumble that the nine-car train is inadequate and it often runs behind schedule.
“Compartments reserved for women are so crowded that elders and pregnant women have to often stand throughout the journey. The burden can be eased partially if Railways extends the platform length and operates 12-car trains and provide an additional compartment to make the journey less painful for women,” said Ms Anandhi, a regular commuter.
Chennai Divisional Railway Manager Mr S. Anantharaman denied delays were frequent. “Our punctuality is well known. We do our best. Very few trains run late by over half an hour.” He also clarified that four compartments were being operated for women on the route.
Attributing the limited operation of trains to low patronage on the route, Mr Anantharaman added, “Healthy passenger traffic is witnessed only during peak hours on the Central-Gummidpoondi stretch.” He also said that there would be substantial relief for passengers once on-going construction works in the northern region were over.
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