New AC Suburban Train Planned Between Central and Arakkonam

Chennai: Southern Railway is planning to introduce a new air-conditioned (AC) EMU service between Chennai Central and Arakkonam soon, offering suburban commuters a more comfortable travel option, particularly during peak hours.

The proposed service comes amid growing patronage for the existing AC EMU operating between Chennai Beach and Chengalpattu. Though the fully air-conditioned service initially received a lukewarm response, railway officials said passenger interest has increased steadily, especially among government and private-sector employees travelling to work.

An additional AC EMU rake manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur, has now been handed over to Southern Railway. Preparations are under way to introduce the rake into regular passenger service.

The proposed Central-Arakkonam service will cover major suburban stations, including Ambattur, Avadi, Tiruninravur and Tiruvallur. Railway authorities have reportedly prepared a timetable keeping office-going passengers in mind.

The timetable has been forwarded to the Railway Board for approval. Once cleared, the service is expected to be introduced within a week, officials said.

The new AC service is likely to provide an alternative for commuters on the busy Chennai Central-Arakkonam corridor, particularly those travelling during morning and evening peak hours. It will also complement the existing AC service between Chennai Beach and Chengalpattu.

With increasing demand for comfortable suburban travel, the introduction of another AC EMU is expected to give commuters along the Central-Arakkonam route an additional choice while easing the pressure on conventional suburban trains.