In a few weeks, commuters at the Ambatur railway station can board trains safely as the Southern Railway is laying new concrete platforms at the station, replacing the damaged ones.
Hundreds of commuters from as far as Arakkonam, Tirutani and Tiruvallur reach the city every day using the suburban rail network.
Every day, on an average, around 260 trips are being made by the suburban trains on the western rail route between Chennai Central and Arakkonam, which is the last suburban railway station in the western part of the city. In fact, after the Chennai Beach – Tambaram section, the Chennai Central – Arakkonam line, around 80km from the city, is the busiest suburban rail route in the region with a volume of around three lakh commuters per day.
“Laying of new concrete platforms at the railway station is a welcome move as commuters can board trains safely. Unlike the fares of MTC buses, which have been raised over the years, suburban trains still stay cheap,” says T. Gunaseelan, a long-time commuter from Ambattur.
More than a year ago, huge concrete blocks were placed at railway stations in Ambattur, Annoor, Thirumullavoyal, Korattur and Pattravakkam as part of the Southern Railway’s plan to convert the existing platforms at these railway stations that can accommodate only nine-car trains into ones that have 12-car trains.
Unlike railway stations in the central parts of the city such as Kodambakkam, Nungambakkam, Chetpet, Mambalam and Saidapet, the railway stations in the western part of the city have more vacant railway land.
In fact, the extension of the platforms at the railway stations in the city outskirts is aimed at ensuring easy connectivity between the city and the neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka via Jolarpet and Arakkonam. It is also meant for better utilisation of railway resources including vacant space available within the station limits.
“The railway station in Ambattur should get 12 car suburban trains at least during rush hour as it would bring immense relief to commuters, who board congested compartments now to reach the city,” says S. Priyanka, a resident in Pattaravakkam.
Railway officials say cite official procedures as reason for the delay. The work on the new platforms will be completed in a few months. More basic amenities including shelters, seating arrangements and lightings will be introduced at the Ambattur railway station.
