Train disruptions loom for Chennai's Northern suburbs on May 24 & 26 amid engineering works

Thousands of suburban train passengers in Chennai’s northern region are set to face significant disruptions on May 24 (Saturday) and May 26 (Monday), as Southern Railway has scheduled a four-hour maintenance block from 1:20 p.m. to 5:20 p.m. between Kavaraipettai and Ponneri.

As a result, 21 EMU and MEMU services will be fully cancelled, while two others will be partially affected. This will impact commuters travelling to and from areas such as Gummidipoondi, Ennore, Minjur, and Sullurupeta.

For residents of suburbs like Minjur, Athipattu, and Ennore—where trains are a key and affordable daily travel option—the timing of the disruption clashes with return trips for early-shift workers and outbound travel for evening-shift employees.


“A cancelled 2:30 p.m. train means I either have to spend ₹50 on an auto or walk 3 km to the highway,” said M. Bhuvaneshwari, a textile worker from Ponneri.

Although 10 special train services have been arranged, connecting locations like Chennai Beach, Moore Market Complex, Ponneri, Minjur, and Ennore, commuters are concerned these won’t suffice.

The usual weekend rush on Saturdays and Monday’s peak office hour traffic are likely to strain these temporary measures.

Furthermore, the special services do not adequately cover routes such as Sullurupeta-Nellore and lack sufficient frequency to meet demand.

[With TOI inputs]