Running time of 51 trains through Southern Railway region slashed by 15 to 70 minutes

CHENNAI: With doubling and electrification of several routes, the running time of 51 trains, including 21 weekly trains passing through Southern Railway region, has been reduced from 70 to 15 minutes in the new timetable.

Passengers’ travel time on Rameswaram Express, Silambu Express, Chennai Egmore-Mangaluru Express and Pandiyan Express has been reduced from 60 to 40 minutes in both directions. Similarly, travel time of Cholan Express, Nagercoil Express, Podhigai and Rockfort Express has been reduced by 20 minutes.

Originating time of several trains at Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore, Tiruchy, Tirunelveli and Coimbatore has also been slightly changed.

Besides, Railways has introduced three EMU trains and extended a train for the benefit of western suburban passengers. Effective from November 1, an EMU train will be operated between Chengalpattu and Thirumalpur. Starting at 5.15 a.m, the train will reach Thirumalpur at 6.45 a.m. In the return direction, it will leave Thirumalpur at 9 pm and reach Chengalpattu at 10 pm.

Two Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains will be introduced additionally from Chennai Central (MMC) to Avadi and Chennai Central to Tiruvallur. Commencement of operation of these trains will be announced soon. Another MEMU passenger that starts at Chennai Central at 8.40 p.m and runs up to Avadi, will be extended to Tiruvallur.

Rlys warns cops

Southern Railway has warned the Tamil Nadu police and railways staff that penalty would be imposed on them if they travel in first and second class of express trains without valid tickets. In a letter sent to the DGP and the city police commissioner on Monday, Southern Railway Senior Divisional Commercial Manager said the Railways has received several complaints against police personnel on and off duty travelling in first and second class coaches of EMUs and express trains. The official urged authorities to issue necessary instructions in this regard