Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu AC Local Train: Reduce Ticket Fares, Increase Frequency Of Trains, Netizens Say

The first air-conditioned EMU train on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu stretch was launched on Saturday and met with good response from the public. However, people are demanding more trains during the peak summer heat between 10 am and 3 pm.

Chennai Local AC Train: Public Response

People are also complaining that the ticket price is quite costly and requesting the railways to reduce the price of the tickets to make it more affordable for general public.

A user on X wrote: "AC suburban train services should be run at least for an hour break & cost of ticket should be on par with Chennai Metro." Another user added: "Ticket prices are unaffordable for many. If public transportation become costly you will see may taking their private vehicles to road thereby kiling the spirit of public transportation."

Fix Rate On Par With Namma Metro

Some are appealing the authorities to reduce the price to par with Chennai Metro. A netizen claimed: "Ticket prices are costlier than metro. Can you explain why?" "If the pricing is little better it will be much more cooler and regular users looking for season tickets options too," a user felt.

However, the authorities have said that there will not be any reduction in ticket fares, saying that the decision in this regard can be only taken by the the Southern Railway zone.

The minimum ticket price is Rs 35 and the maximum is Rs 75.

Increase Frequency To Beat Summer Heat

Apart from the price reduction, many have requested the authorities to increase the frequency of the train. "Its not enough at all. This is Just 5% of the requirement. We need all the suburban network with AC EMU.. Atleast before 2027. This is not going to be a mission to mars. It's totally possible.
Please give ur whole hearted effort.Sense the people's need," one user said on Twitter.

As per the Southern Railways, it has planned two full runs between Chennai Beach and Chengalpattu and one short run between the two destinations. More importantly, the service will not be available through out the day. The service operates in two shifts (morning and evening) with a 5-hour maintenance break in between.

Another added: "Question is why just two services a day? Crew shortage?"

Many are asking the authorities why the AC train service are not available between 10 am and 3 pm. The third user commented: "Why is the train taking rest between 11 - 4, when it is expected to be too hot and ppl need ac service?"

The fourth user added: "Please increase the frequency and during mid day when it is very hot." Another user claimed: "Maintain punctuality and increase more services btw tbm to beach n from central to gummidipoondi n avadi."

One X user complained: "Frequency is important for this to succeed. People can't wait for one hour to catch AC train during peak hours. Railways should design AC compartments as part of existing suburban trains with auto door & internal check-in facilities at Metro rates."

Chennai Local AC Train Timings