Signal failure delays many trains

A minor fire in the battery box section at Koodal Nagar railway station near here resulted in signal failure, which consequently delayed departure and arrival of many express trains on Saturday night.

Railway sources said trains bound for Chennai, Bangalore, Tirupati and other destinations from southern districts were stranded at different places near Madurai, Sholavandan and Samayanallur railway stations.

The Madurai-Chennai Egmore Pandian Express, which normally departs at 8.35 p.m., was held up for over 90 minutes, railway officials said.

The Chennai Egmore-Madurai Vaigai Express, which will arrive at Madurai at around 8 p.m., was stopped near Samayanallur for over two hours.

The Dindigul-Madurai Passenger Train was also stranded near Samayanallur.

The Tuticorin-Mysore Express and other trains bound for Chennai from southern districts were also delayed due to the technical snag.