Commuters say recent speed restrictions on west section cause delay in train services
As part of safety measures, the Southern Railway recently issued a new set of speed restrictions for suburban trains operated from the Moore Market complex (MMC) to Arakkonam via Avadi and Tiruvallur on the west section. However, commuters call it a retrograde step as this has led to fast local trains running behind schedule during the morning and evening hours.
While the Beach-Chengalpattu via Tambaram has the highest population (more than 6 lakh), the west section — supposed to be the longest route covered by the Chennai Division — till Arakkonam and Tiruttani operates the highest number of electric multiple units (241 services).
Unlike the other three sections, the west section has remained a major challenge for railway officials because of multiple crossovers between mainline mail, express and suburban trains. The officials said there was a total of 12 crossovers, and this put a lot of pressure on both the safe and punctual operation of the trains.
In the circular issued on June 25, loco-pilots have been directed to maintain a speed of 15 km per hour, as against the earlier 30 kmph for suburban trains and fast locals, in 12 places, including Basin Bridge, Vyasarpadi, Villivakkam, Pattabhiram, Tiruvallur, and Arakkonam.
T. Prasanna, a regular commuter from Tiruvallur, said ever since the speed restrictions were announced, the suburban services have been taking a lot of time to reach their destinations, especially during the peak hours. Even if they chose to ride fast local trains, it took a minimum of two hours to reach MMC from Tiruvallur, as after Villivakkam, the trains had to be operated on the slow line.
S. Purushoth, a resident of Avadi, said that earlier, the suburban trains from Basin Bridge station would operate at 30 kmph without hindrance, but now the EMUs were being held up invariably for want of green signal and in cases where they are given the go ahead, the trains were operated at 5 kmph.
A senior official of the Chennai Division said the speed restrictions had been introduced for safety purposes as passengers' safety preceded punctuality. The section has multiple crossovers, with five major ones affecting the train services at Avadi, Ambattur, and Vyasarpadi. 'We are looking into the issue, and if feasible, the speed restrictions would be removed in phases,' he said.
Regarding a few trains bound for MMC getting help up at Vyasarpadi, the senior railway official said this was because two trains — one to MMC and the other to Beach — were being operated back-to-back. For this, a loop line is being planned at Vyasarpadi for halting the Beach train to let the one to MMC proceed. In the meantime, loop lines are also being planned at Ambattur and Avadi to operate suburban trains without obstacles, but this project could take some time.
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The Hindu
07-07-2025
- The Hindu
Commuters want shifting of north-bound suburban trains to ease operation of suburban trains from MMC to Beach railway station
The suburban commuters on the west section who have been complaining about delayed arrival and departure of the electrical multiple units (EMUs) want the officials of Southern Railway to explore the option of shifting the suburban train services of north section from Moore market complex (MMC) station to Beach railway station. A section of commuters as well as railway activists hope the shifting of at least a small portion to Beach station would provide seamless operation of EMUs for the west section. The west section of suburban network is the longest section of the four sections of suburban services operated by Chennai division with train services operated to as long as Thiruttani and Arakkonam. It also has the highest number of EMU services with nearly four lakh commuters travelling daily. The option to explore the viability of shifting the north-bound suburban trains comes in the wake of EMU services towards west section daily being delayed by a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes, that too during morning and evening peak hours. Also the absence of adequate platforms at the MMC and the operational delays caused by the cross over of the suburban trains from MMC to the slow line beyond Basin Bridge railway station - the point where mail and express trains also pass through. Social activist T. Sadagopan said a large number of suburban as well as mail and express trains originate from the Dr. MGR Central station. Moreover unlike the south section of Beach to Chengalpattu via Tambaram which has few operational issues, the west section has several crossovers of EMUs including Tiruvallur, Pattabhiram and Avadi. In this situation provision of a dedicated corridor for EMUs to Avadi, Tiruvallur and Arakkonam stations from MMC would pave way for seamless operation of suburban trains. Due to several crossovers, the Chennai division has given speed restrictions for loco drivers of EMUs to operate at 15 kilometres per hour instead of 30 kmph. Railway activist also point out that with the shifting of the operation of the north section to Beach railway station commuters would find it easy to access Tambaram- and Velachery-bound trains by switching just the platforms. S. Krishna, a regular commuter from Ponneri, said the Beach railway station is already a transport hub and by shifting the EMUs from MMC station to Beach station the commuters of north section would have better access to suburban trains. This would also help avoide the delays caused by north-bound suburban trains waiting to crossover from MMC, to mail and express trains at Basin bridge station. A senior official of the Chennai division of Southern Railway said a feasibility study would be done on the suggestions for shifting the suburban trains to Beach station.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- The Hindu
Commuters say recent speed restrictions on west section cause delay in train services
: As part of safety measures, the Southern Railway recently issued a new set of speed restrictions for suburban trains operated from the Moore Market complex (MMC) to Arakkonam via Avadi and Tiruvallur on the west section. However, commuters call it a retrograde step as this has led to fast local trains running behind schedule during the morning and evening hours. While the Beach-Chengalpattu via Tambaram has the highest population (more than 6 lakh), the west section — supposed to be the longest route covered by the Chennai Division — till Arakkonam and Tiruttani operates the highest number of electric multiple units (241 services). Unlike the other three sections, the west section has remained a major challenge for railway officials because of multiple crossovers between mainline mail, express and suburban trains. The officials said there was a total of 12 crossovers, and this put a lot of pressure on both the safe and punctual operation of the trains. In the circular issued on June 25, loco-pilots have been directed to maintain a speed of 15 km per hour, as against the earlier 30 kmph for suburban trains and fast locals, in 12 places, including Basin Bridge, Vyasarpadi, Villivakkam, Pattabhiram, Tiruvallur, and Arakkonam. T. Prasanna, a regular commuter from Tiruvallur, said ever since the speed restrictions were announced, the suburban services have been taking a lot of time to reach their destinations, especially during the peak hours. Even if they chose to ride fast local trains, it took a minimum of two hours to reach MMC from Tiruvallur, as after Villivakkam, the trains had to be operated on the slow line. S. Purushoth, a resident of Avadi, said that earlier, the suburban trains from Basin Bridge station would operate at 30 kmph without hindrance, but now the EMUs were being held up invariably for want of green signal and in cases where they are given the go ahead, the trains were operated at 5 kmph. A senior official of the Chennai Division said the speed restrictions had been introduced for safety purposes as passengers' safety preceded punctuality. The section has multiple crossovers, with five major ones affecting the train services at Avadi, Ambattur, and Vyasarpadi. 'We are looking into the issue, and if feasible, the speed restrictions would be removed in phases,' he said. Regarding a few trains bound for MMC getting help up at Vyasarpadi, the senior railway official said this was because two trains — one to MMC and the other to Beach — were being operated back-to-back. For this, a loop line is being planned at Vyasarpadi for halting the Beach train to let the one to MMC proceed. In the meantime, loop lines are also being planned at Ambattur and Avadi to operate suburban trains without obstacles, but this project could take some time.
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Time of India
6 birds that are more dangerous than they look
When we talk about dangerous animals, birds aren't usually part of the conversation. We think of them as harmless– chirping on rooftops, flying in flocks, or just minding their business on electric wires. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But not all birds are so gentle. Some, when disturbed or threatened, can get surprisingly aggressive. And while they don't hunt humans or go looking for fights, they've proven they can cause real harm in the right (or wrong) conditions. From powerful kicks to unexpected swoops, here are six bird species that wildlife experts say you definitely don't want to provoke. Cassowary The cassowary might look like a creature from a prehistoric world– with its deep blue skin, helmet-like head, and long legs– but it's very much alive, and known as one of the most dangerous birds on Earth. It usually keeps to itself in the forest. But if someone gets too close, especially in places where it's used to being fed by humans, it can lash out. Its inner toe has a sharp claw, like a dagger, and it uses it to kick with serious force. Attacks are rare but have led to injuries and, in a few cases, even death, according to a Britannica report. Ostrich The world's biggest bird is no pushover. Ostriches are built for speed and can sprint at more than 70 km/h. But if they feel cornered or threatened, they don't just run– they kick. And those kicks are no joke. Their strong legs can break bones, and in the wild, they've been seen defending themselves against lions. Most human injuries happen on farms or in captivity, often when the birds are startled or feel trapped. Emu Australia's other giant bird, the emu, isn't quite as flashy as the cassowary, but it's just as strong. With long legs and big, three-toed feet, it can deliver fast, powerful kicks if it feels threatened. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Emus don't usually attack people– most cases happen when someone tries to pet or feed them. But like many wild animals, if they sense danger, they react fast. Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) This bird doesn't attack people, but its feeding habits still make it one to watch out for. The lammergeier, or bearded vulture, feeds mostly on bone marrow. To get it, it flies high and drops large bones onto rocks to crack them open. This method is smart, but in remote, high-altitude regions, it can also be risky, especially for trekkers who might not realise what's flying overhead. With a wingspan close to 3 metres, this bird is hard to miss. Great Horned Owl They're known for their deep hoots and piercing eyes, but great horned owls aren't just beautiful– they're also fiercely territorial during nesting season. There have been reports of runners, hikers, and photographers getting scratched or hit when they unknowingly come too close to a nest, as per online reports. The attacks are fast and silent, usually meant as warnings, but the claws can still leave a mark. Barred Owl Slightly smaller than the great horned owl, barred owls are just as protective when it comes to their nests. They've been known to swoop at people during breeding season, especially in quiet forested areas where someone might walk too close without realizing it. The injuries are usually minor, but the suddenness of the attack often takes people by surprise. In some areas of Canada and the U.S., parks even issue warnings during nesting months.
