Suburban train services on the Chennai Beach-Tambaram section were crippled on Tuesday following a rail fracture on the track between Chetpet and Egmore railway stations.
Southern Railway sources said that a motorman of an electrical multiple unit (EMU) proceeding towards Tambaram noticed the rail fracture, measuring about one foot in the opposite direction. On receiving the information, the signalling control room issued directions to the motormen of all EMUs to halt ahead of Chetpet station. Only minutes before the fracture was noticed, an EMU had passed by the stretch.
The problem was set right in about an hour’s time. Meanwhile, trains towards Egmore were operated on the main line. Sources said 9 EMUs heading towards Beach were delayed. From 11 a.m., normal services resumed. A detailed inquiry would be held, officials said.
There was no human negligence, officials said, adding that the contraction of tracks during winter, leading to damage was not uncommon.
