Commuters using the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) from Velachery are of late complaining about delay in the operation of trains during morning peak hours. Many commuters say that they have been unable to reach their workplaces on time due to the delay in operation of the trains in the morning rush hours.
N. Murugappan, a resident of Madipakkam, said that the MRTS service, which is known for its speed and for prompt operation of trains, is nowadays being operated behind scheduled time.
The normal operational time between Chennai Beach and Velachery Railway Stations and vice versa is 40 minutes, as per the schedule of the Southern Railway.
But the electrical multiple units (EMUs) now take more than 45 minutes to reach the destination due to a ‘Caution order' issued by the authorities.
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The ‘Caution order' was issued in view of the increased wear and tear of wheels of coaches when they pass through the ‘S' curves between Thirumayilai and Chepauk railway stations in the section.
Also, the motorman and the guard take five minutes to reach their cabins at the Velachery railway station, which adds to the delay.
A loco motorman, who pointed out the reasons for the delay in the operation of MRTS services, said that the timing has to be revised as the scheduled time of 40 minutes could not be adhered to in the present condition.
Denying that there was delay of train services during morning rush hours, S. Anantharaman, Divisional Railway Manager, Southern Railway, said that only the first train in the morning peak hour gets delayed by five minutes and all other services are being operated as per schedule.