Tambaram railway station to get 9 more lifts, 10 escalators by Dec

Tambaram railway station to get 9 more lifts, 10 escalators by Dec

Christopher.M@timesofindia.com 12.10.2026

Chennai: Moving between platforms at Tambaram railway station, especially during peak hours, is an herculean task for many. But the commute could soon become easier as Southern Railway is expediting the installation of nine additional lifts and 10 escalators, with the facilities to be commissioned in phases from Nov. 

The facility will essentially help senior citizens and people with disabilities. Of the nine lifts being installed to connect platforms to the new 8m-wide foot over bridge and station entrances, seven are complete. Two lifts at the western entry have received the necessary licence, while approach pathway work is under way. 

Five others — one each at platforms 1-2, 3-4 and 9-10, and two at the eastern entry — are awaiting statutory inspection and licensing. These are expected to open for passengers by this month. Commuters often depend on staircases to reach platforms and foot over bridges, making movement difficult for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and those carrying luggage. 

R Saravanan, a senior citizen and regular commuter, said, “The bigger question is how well they will be maintained. At several stations, these facilities stop working within days, forcing passengers to use stairs again. The railway should carry out regular maintenance and ensure that repairs are done quickly.” 

Meanwhile, installation of 10 escalators connected to the new foot over bridge is also progressing. These include two at the western entry, two connecting Platforms 3-4 and one connecting Platforms 9-10. They are expected to open by mid-Nov. The remaining five escalators, including those connecting Platforms 1-2, 5-6 and 7-8 and the eastern entry are targeted for commissioning by end of Dec. 

Railway officials said the additional facilities would improve connectivity between platforms, foot over bridges, and station entrances, reduce dependence on staircases, and help manage passenger movement during peak hours. A senior railway official said, “The installation works are being checked regularly. Teams are working on a priority basis to complete pending works, inspections and licensing procedures. Action will be taken to finish the work at the earliest.”

‘Rlys liable for theft from reserved AC coach’

‘Rlys liable for theft from reserved AC coach’ 

Pankul.Sharma@timesofindia.com 08.10.2026

Dehradun: Uttarakhand state consumer disputes redressal commission has held Railways liable for theft of a passenger’s belongings from a reserved AC coach, saying failure to prevent unauthorised entry amounted to negligence and deficiency in service. The commission upheld a district consumer panel’s finding against railways and directed them to pay Rs 37,222 with 7% annual interest, besides Rs 10,000 as litigation costs. 

The ruling, pronounced on Oct 5, came on an appeal filed by Union of India and railways against a May 11, 2022, order passed in favour of Lila Dhar Dobhal and his family. The case arose from the family’s journey on Mewar Express from Udaipur to New Delhi on July 1, 2018. They were travelling on reserved berths in AC 3-tier coach B-2 when, around 4am the following day near Mathura, unauthorised persons allegedly entered the compartment and snatched a bag belonging to Dobhal’s wife while she was asleep. 

The complainants said the assailant jumped from the moving train with the bag. They alleged that the coach attendant, travelling ticket examiner and RPF personnel could not be found immediately after the theft and that the coach and vestibule doors had been left unlocked in the night, enabling unauthorised persons to enter the reserved compartment. Railway authorities had denied deficiency in service and also challenged the complaint on grounds of territorial jurisdiction and maintainability.

One Vadapalani metro entry not ready for inauguration

One Vadapalani metro entry not ready for inauguration

 U.Tejonmayam@timesofindia.com 08.10.2026

Chennai: With the inauguration of the first stretch of Metro Phase II — from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani— set for Sunday, one of the entry/exit structures at Vadapalani metro station is still under construction. 

Vadapalani will serve as an interchange for passengers switching to the Phase I network. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the 14.64km stretch on Oct 11. Phase II stations will have two entry/exit structures, compared with four at Phase I stations. At Vadapalani, CMRL has built an entry point near the police station on Arcot Road. A skywalk linking the Phase I and II stations has been built across the road, but the entry point next to it is still under construction. Commuters wanting to exit on the side opposite the police station may have to walk across the skywalk to the Phase I station and exit onto 100 Feet Road. 

Those entering through the point near the police station may have to climb flights of stairs to reach the concourse. “The entry structure near Vadapalani metro skywalk will not be ready before the inauguration. Passengers will have to use the skywalk to Phase I station to exit, as the AFC gates are in the Phase I station,” a CMRL official said. The Poonamallee Bypass–Vadapalani stretch is being commissioned more than seven months after CMRL received conditional approval from the commissioner of metro railway safety (CMRS) in Feb. CMRL secured final authorisation, with relaxations in train speed and frequency, in May, but the line remained closed to passengers pending an inauguration date. Vadapalani is the only elevated Phase II station with three levels: the first for commercial development, the second for ticketing and the third for platforms. 

The station will give those from Porur and Poonamallee access to Anna Nagar, Shenoy Nagar, Thiruvottiyur and Kilpauk. They can reach transport hubs such as Chennai Centraland airport by changing trains at Vadapalani. “Why can’t CMRL complete the station before opening it? They have had enough time since elections. It is not as if passengers have clean, wide pavements to walk on or can easily cross Arcot Road, which is in bad shape,” said Porur resident S Vikram.

Chennai Central gets e-bike rental service

Chennai Central gets e-bike rental service 

21.09.2026

Chennai: Passengers stepping out of Chennai Central railway station can now pick up an electric scooter instead of hailing an autorickshaw, with the Chennai division of Southern Railway launching an e-bike rental service on Thursday. 

The first-of-its-kind service in the division was inaugurated by I Senthil Kumar, Additional Divisional Railway Manager-II, Chennai division. 

Twenty electric two-wheelers are now available for rent at the station. The service is aimed at providing arriving passengers, commuters and tourists with an affordable and zero-emission option for last-mile travel across the city. 

To rent a vehicle passengers will have to fill out a registration form and submit personal details, a valid identity proof such as Aadhaar or driving licence, address details and an emergency contact before renting a vehicle. 

Fares start at 299 for three hours. The six-hour package costs 499, 12 hours 699 and 24 hours 999. The rental is subject to selected time or kilometre limit, whichever is reached first. The vehicle can be used within a 30-km radius of the station. Travel beyond this requires prior approval from rental service station. Extension is allowed once, after which it has to be returned and a fresh booking made. TNN 20 two-wheelers available

India will make 350 kmph bullet trains by 2030: Minister

India will make 350 kmph bullet trains by 2030: Minister 

They Will Match Japan’s E10 Series Trains 

Dipak.Dash@timesofindia.com 20.09.2026

The 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSRC is expected to be ready by Dec 2030 New Delhi: 

India will manufacture indigenous high-speed or bullet trains with a design speed of 350 kmph (B35) by 2030, matching Japan’s next-generation E10 series trains that are scheduled for production the same year, according to the railway ministry’s Cabinet proposal seeking approval for the revised cost of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail (MAHSR) project. 

Cabinet has approved the revised cost of the project at over Rs 2 lakh crore, nearly double the original estimate prepared in 2015, and the expenditure of nearly Rs 1 lakh crore escalated cost will come from budgetary support. 

TOI has learnt that the ministry informed the Cabinet it has initiated the process to develop B35 trains after the Japanese side conveyed in Dec 2024 that production of existing E5 series trains was being phased out. It mentions that Japan indicated that production of E10 trains would begin in 2030 and they would be ready for operations by 2034. 

Officials said deployment of E10 trains would be explored when they become available. The ministry has said that manufacturing of indigenous B28 high-speed trains has been taken up and India will also develop its own Bharat Train Control System (BTCS). The move mirrors China’s indigenous CTCS signalling and train control system, which manages speed, spacing and safety across conventional and high-speed rail networks.

As per the ministry, sharp increase in project cost from earlier Rs 1.1 lakh crore is largely due to a more than three-fold rise in land acquisition cost to about Rs 19,700 crore; a nearly 50% increase in infrastructure cost to over Rs 1 lakh crore, and around 100% escalation in spending on trains and signalling systems compared with the 2015 estimate. 

The current cost of the project, excluding future Japanese trains, works out to around Rs 399 crore per km. Initially, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor will operate with B28 trains having a design speed of 280 kmph, while their maximum operating speed will be “249 kmph”. BEML has received contracts to manufacture 32 B28 trains. Two prototype trains are expected to be ready for trial runs in the first quarter of 2027. BEML informed the BSE on Friday that it has received a separate Rs 5,400-crore contract to manufacture 15 additional B28 trains. The full 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor is targeted for completion by Dec 2030.

Elderly man’s nose bitten by rat in train’s 1st class AC coach

Elderly man’s nose bitten by rat in train’s 1st class AC coach 

25.08.2026

Indore: A 78-year-old passenger travelling in the first-class AC coach of the Una Himachal Express (19308) was bitten on the nose by a rat during his journey from Chandigarh to Indore on August 22. The passenger, HP Karan, a retired government employee travelling with his family, sustained a bleeding wound to his nose following the rodent bite. After the matter was flagged to the Railways, medical personnel boarded the train at a subsequent stop to administer first aid and medication. 

Upon arrival in Indore, Karan, who belongs to the city, was taken to a local hospital, where doctors administered an anti-rabies vaccine as a precautionary measure. The family said that they had earlier notified coach attendants regarding the presence of rodents and poor cleanliness inside the compartment. The family alleged that effective rodent-control measures were not deployed on board. The railway officials claimed that standard rodent and pest control procedures were executed before the rake was dispatched from Indore on its outward journey. 

“We have initiated an inquiry to determine how the rodent entered the sealed compartment on the return leg” Ratlam division public relations officer Mukesh Kumar said, adding that medical attention was provided immediately upon instructions from the ministry. “The train originates from Indore, where all coaches undergo mandatory maintenance, cleaning, and pest control protocols before departure,” Kumar said. “No rodent complaints were lodged during the journey from Indore to Himachal. Because first AC coaches are sealed environments, the rodent likely entered while doors or cabin windows were left open during a scheduled halt along the return route,” the PRO added.

IRCTC to launch clutter-free, faster ticket booking website

IRCTC to launch clutter-free, faster ticket booking website

 Dipak.Dash@timesofindia.com 11.06.2026

New Delhi : Booking train tickets through IRCTC website is set to become faster and hasslefree. Railways Friday announced that the beta version of the revamped IRCTC website will be launched soon, offering a clutter-free interface without unnecessary captchas, pop-ups, flashing graphics or other distractions. In a statement, Railway Board said improvements in the site’s beta version also includes display of seat availability across all coach classes, faster checkout as the number of steps to book tickets has been reduced and making repeat bookings easier by saving passenger details. 

On Friday, IRCTC and Centre for Railway Information Systems officials met students of Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur. The officials have sought more feedback before the launch of the beta version. A few weeks ago, students of the institute had pointed out the issues in IRCTC website and the national transporter had promised to revamp the portal on July 15.

Tatkal booking goes haywire despite Railways app reforms

Tatkal booking goes haywire despite Railways app reforms

From July 2025, Tatkal tickets booked through the IRCTC website and mobile app were made available only to users authenticated with the Aadhaar number.

train

 

Tinisha Rachel Samuel

Updated on:

04 Jun 2026, 6:12 pm

KOLLAM: Nearly a year after the Indian Railways announced key modifications to the Tatkal booking service, passengers continue to face various issues and are unable to get confirmed tickets.

From July 2025, Tatkal tickets booked through the IRCTC website and mobile app were made available only to users authenticated with the Aadhaar number.

Tatkal tickets booked at computerised passenger reservation system (PRS) counters and through authorised agents also require OTP authentication sent to the mobile number provided by the user at the time of booking.

To prevent bulk bookings during the crucial opening period, authorised ticketing agents are not permitted to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. According to the Indian Railways, around 14 lakh passengers book train tickets through online platforms daily, and for Tatkal, around four lakh users log in between 10 am and 11 am.

"There is an issue between demand and supply, which is the reason why the ticket issue persists," a senior Railways official said.

When TNIE tried booking a Tatkal ticket from Kollam Junction to MGR Chennai Central on train no 12624 through the RailOne app, the facility was not functional during the 11 am time slot. On the other hand, a private app showed TQWL 17 for third AC berths within three minutes of the booking period, at 11.03 am, even as the new rules suggest that private apps can only begin bookings after 11.30 am.

Several users on the social media platform X have raised allegations regarding issues with booking Tatkal tickets.

"I have been trying to book a single Tatkal ticket for the past four days. First, the mobile app kept crashing, then the website too. The system conveniently collapses during the first few crucial minutes when genuine users try to book tickets. Then, magically, after five minutes, the website and app start working perfectly normally, but by then all tickets would be sold out," lamented a user on X.

"One issue we have experienced in recent days is that if you search directly for Premium Tatkal tickets, most of the time there won't be any error, and there is a higher chance of getting a confirmed ticket. But with normal Tatkal, things are different. Many are asking whether this is being done intentionally to push passengers towards higher-cost tickets. Many also allege that normal Tatkal tickets are mainly booked by agents," alleged Ansuman Satapathy, a rail enthusiast. Premium Tatkal at times costs three times the rate of normal tickets.

Several rail users have also alleged that some railway staff at ticket counters help travel agents with bookings. A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that such allegations are often raised.

"In several cases, server glitches occur on the RailOne app while booking Tatkal tickets. The app keeps loading for nearly five minutes even after payment is completed. By then, tickets would have been sold out. Most Tatkal bookings are made during emergencies, and refunds also take time," said Vishakh Kochiyil, a travel agent from Malappuram.

The existing overbridge will continue to operate alongside the new bridge to help distribute passenger flow.

Southern Railway upgrades Tambaram station amenities at cost of Rs 24 crore

The existing overbridge will continue to operate alongside the new bridge to help distribute passenger flow.

Lifts being erected at Tambaram railway stationPhoto | Express

Express News Service

Updated on:

15 May 2026, 8:39 am

CHENNAI: The Chennai Division of Southern Railway on Thursday announced that passenger amenities at the Tambaram railway station are being upgraded at a cost of Rs 24 crore.

Tambaram railway station handles about 1.67 lakh passengers daily including suburban commuters, long-distance and interstate passengers. As part of the ongoing development works, a new 8m-wide foot overbridge connecting the eastern and western sides of the station, running across all 10 platforms, has been commissioned, according to a statement.

The existing overbridge will continue to operate alongside the new bridge to help distribute passenger flow. To further improve accessibility, work is underway to install nine lifts and 10 escalators across the platforms. The facilities are expected to be commissioned in phases shortly.

According to the statement, continuous train operations pose technical challenges in executing the works. All activities are being carried out in a live operational environment without disrupting train services, requiring phased execution, strict safety measures and coordinated inter-departmental planning.

Work is also underway to improve road access to the new overbridge, develop parking facilities on the western side, as well as install platform shelters and coach guidance boards, added the statement.

Railways’ stricter cancellation rules explained: Why you must cancel earlier for better refunds

Railways’ stricter cancellation rules explained: Why you must cancel earlier for better refunds

The Ministry of Railways has tightened train ticket cancellation rules, sharply reducing refunds for cancellations made closer to the time of departure.

Written by: Dheeraj Mishra

4 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Mar 25, 2026 05:54 PM IST

Under the new rules, if a ticket is cancelled up to eight hours before a train’s departure, the passenger will not receive any refund. Rohit Jain Paras

The Ministry of Railways has tightened train ticket cancellation rules, sharply reducing refunds for cancellations made closer to the time of departure. It has also announced that passengers will now be able to change their boarding point up to 30 minutes before the train’s departure.

What are the new train ticket cancellation rules?

Under the new rules, if a ticket is cancelled less than eight hours before a train’s departure, the passenger will not receive any refund. If a ticket is cancelled between eight and 24 hours before departure, 50% of the fare will be refunded, and the remainder will be deducted as a cancellation charge.

For cancellations made between 24 and 72 hours before departure, 75% of the fare will be refunded.

If a ticket is cancelled more than 72 hours in advance, only a minimum flat cancellation charge will apply, and the remaining amount will be refunded.

What were the earlier train ticket cancellation rules?

Earlier, the cancellation rules were categorised into four-hour, 12-hour and 48-hour timelines.

This meant there was no refund for tickets cancelled less than four hours before a train’s departure. There was a 50% refund for cancellations made between four and 12 hours before departure, a 75% refund between 12 and 48 hours before departure, and an almost full refund (after deducting a minimum cancellation charge) for cancellations made more than 48 hours before departure.

Why did the Railways change the rule?

The rules have been changed to align ticket cancellations with changes made to the chart preparation system. Earlier, railway charts were prepared four hours before the departure of the train. With this charting system, RAC and waitlisted passengers receive the status of their ticket booking, indicating whether their ticket has been confirmed or not.

However, last year in July, the Railways changed the charting system, and now the status of a ticket is confirmed between 9 and 18 hours before departure. For trains departing between 5 am and 2 pm, the reservation chart is prepared, preferably by 9 pm the previous day. For trains departing between 2 pm and 11:59 pm, and between 12 am and 5 am, the first reservation chart is prepared, preferably 9 hours in advance.

Officials said that since the charting system was changed to enable passengers to plan their journeys in advance, the cancellation system had to be changed accordingly.

Has it been implemented?

Not yet. The new ticket cancellation refund rules will be implemented between April 1 and April 15.

What has changed regarding boarding points?

The Ministry of Railways has announced that passengers will now be able to change their boarding point up to 30 minutes before the train’s departure. To implement this, a special provision will be made in the ticket booking app, such as RailOne, and the portal, allowing passengers to make changes.

Currently, the boarding point can only be selected at the time of booking a ticket, not afterward.

This will be especially useful in larger cities with multiple stations, where a passenger will be able to choose to board from any of those stations. Officials said this will be implemented by April 15.

While this provision is currently applicable mainly to online tickets, officials said efforts are being made to extend it to counter tickets as well.

What are the other changes announced?

The changes are part of the Railways’ “52 reforms in 52 weeks” this year. The Railways has so far announced a total of nine reforms, including these two passenger-centric measures. Other reforms include salt transportation, automobile transportation, improving the quality of construction, better onboard services such as cleaning of running trains, rail-based logistics through Gati Shakti Cargo terminals, a rail tech policy, and E-RCT.

Chennai–Velankanni to get first full-rake daily express train

Chennai–Velankanni to get first full-rake daily express train

The existing 23-coach LHB rake of the Tambaram–Karaikal Express, which currently operates via Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam, will be diverted to terminate at Velankanni through the Karaikal–Peralam railway line.

Representative imageFILE photo | Express

B Anbuselvan

Updated on:

17 Mar 2026, 8:18 am

CHENNAI: Nearly 15 years after the Nagapattinam–Velankanni (10 km) metre-gauge line was converted into broad gauge, the Velankanni Basilica — one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in the delta districts — will receive a full-rake daily express train from Chennai starting May 20.

The existing 23-coach LHB rake of the Tambaram–Karaikal Express, which currently operates via Thiruvarur and Nagapattinam, will be diverted to terminate at Velankanni through the Karaikal–Peralam railway line, with a stoppage at Thirunallar, another prominent pilgrimage centre, according to an order issued by Southern Railway on Saturday.

The diversion will eliminate locomotive reversals at Nagapattinam and Thiruvarur stations, reducing travel time by about 30 minutes. This will also become the first full-rake express train to operate between Chennai and Velankanni, improving access for pilgrims visiting the basilica.

The Tambaram–Velankanni Express will depart Tambaram at 9.30 pm, while the return service will leave Velankanni at 9.50 pm. Services in both directions will commence on May 20.

Passengers travelling to Velankanni had earlier relied on slip coaches attached to the Chennai–Karaikal Express between 2013 and 2022. However, the service was suspended multiple times in 2015, 2016 and 2018 due to operational issues, and was eventually withdrawn in 2022. Slip coaches refer to a system in which six or seven coaches are detached from a train and diverted to another destination with a separate locomotive, while the remaining coaches continue to the original destination.

Railway officials said the diversion via the Peralam–Karaikal line would provide a direct service to Velankanni and increase the train’s carrying capacity by nearly 200%, easing congestion. The 23.5-km broad-gauge Karaikal–Peralam line was opened for passenger operations in August last year. The Tambaram–Velankanni Express will run via Villupuram, Cuddalore Port, Mayiladuthurai, Peralam, Karaikal, Nagore and Nagapattinam.

At present, pilgrims travelling on the Chennai Egmore–Karaikal Kamban Express have to get down at Nagapattinam around 3.40 am and board a DEMU service to reach Velankanni. The new service is expected to remove this inconvenience.

Route

Chengalpattu

Villupuram

Cuddalore Port

Chidambaram

Mayiladuthurai

Peralam

Karaikal

Nagore

Nagapattinam

தாம்பரம் வரை மட்டுமே தற்காலிகமாக இயக்கப்படும் சேது விரைவு ரயில்

தாம்பரம் வரை மட்டுமே தற்காலிகமாக இயக்கப்படும் சேது விரைவு ரயில்

ரயில் நிலைய மேம்பாட்டுப் பணிகள் காரணமாக, சேது விரைவு ரயிலானது சென்னை எழும்பூருக்குப் பதிலாக தாம்பரம் வரை மட்டுமே செல்லும்.

சேது விரைவு ரயில்படம்: தெற்கு ரயில்வே

Syndication

Updated on:
17 பிப்ரவரி 2026, 3:29 am

திருச்சி: ரயில் நிலைய மேம்பாட்டுப் பணிகள் காரணமாக, சேது விரைவு ரயிலானது சென்னை எழும்பூருக்குப் பதிலாக தாம்பரம் வரை மட்டுமே செல்லும்.

இதுகுறித்து திருச்சி கோட்ட ரயில்வே நிா்வாகம் வெளியிட்டுள்ள செய்திக்குறிப்பு:

சென்னை எழும்பூா் ரயில் நிலையத்தில் மேம்பாட்டுப் பணிகள் நடைபெற்று வருவதால், ராமேசுவரம் - சென்னை எழும்பூா் இடையிலான சேது அதிவிரைவு ரயிலானது (22662) வரும் 19-ஆம் தேதி முதல் ஏப். 5-ஆம் தேதி வரை சென்னை எழும்பூருக்குப் பதிலாக தாம்பரம் வரை மட்டுமே செல்லும்.

மறுமாா்க்கமாக, சென்னை எழும்பூா் - ராமேசுவரம் சேது அதிவிரைவு ரயிலானது (22661) வரும் 20-ஆம் தேதி முதல் ஏப். 6-ஆம் தேதி வரை சென்னை எழும்பூருக்குப் பதிலாக தாம்பரத்திலிருந்து புறப்படும் என அதில் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

எழும்பூரில் மேம்பாட்டுப் பணி: முக்கிய விரைவு ரயில்கள் தாம்பரத்தில் இருந்து இயக்கம்

தமிழ்நாடு

எழும்பூரில் மேம்பாட்டுப் பணி: முக்கிய விரைவு ரயில்கள் தாம்பரத்தில் இருந்து இயக்கம்

சீரமைப்பு மற்றும் மேம்பாட்டுப் பணிகள் காரணமாக எழும்பூா் மாா்க்கத்தில் இயக்கப்படும் முக்கிய விரைவு ரயில்கள் தாம்பரத்திலிருந்து இயக்க நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

கோப்புப் படம்

தினமணி செய்திச் சேவை

Updated on:

31 ஜனவரி 2026, 1:58 am

சீரமைப்பு மற்றும் மேம்பாட்டுப் பணிகள் காரணமாக எழும்பூா் மாா்க்கத்தில் இயக்கப்படும் முக்கிய விரைவு ரயில்கள் தாம்பரத்திலிருந்து இயக்க நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இதுகுறித்து தெற்கு ரயில்வே சாா்பில் வெளியிடப்பட்டுள்ள செய்திக்குறிப்பு: சென்னை எழும்பூா் ரயில் நிலையத்தில் வரும் பிப். 3 முதல் ஏப். 4-ஆம் தேதி வரை மறுசீரமைப்பு மற்றும் மேம்பாட்டுப் பணிகள் நடைபெறவுள்ளன.

இதன் காரணமாக வரும் பிப். 3 முதல் ஏப். 5-ஆம் தேதி வரை தஞ்சாவூா் - சென்னை எழும்பூா் உழவன் விரைவு ரயில் (எண்: 16866), கொல்லம் - சென்னை எழும்பூா் அனந்தபுரி அதிவிரைவு ரயில் (எண்: 20636), ராமேசுவரம் - சென்னை எழும்பூா் விரைவு ரயில் (எண்:16752) ஆகியவை தாம்பரத்திலேயே நிறுத்தப்படும்.

அதேபோல், மறுமாா்க்கமாக பிப். 4 முதல் ஏப். 6-ஆம் தேதி வரை எழும்பூருக்குப் பதிலாக உழவன் விரைவு ரயில் (எண்: 16865) இரவு 11 மணிக்கும், கொல்லம் அனந்தபுரி அதிவிரைவு ரயில் (எண்: 20635) இரவு 8.20 மணிக்கும், ராமேசுவரம் விரைவு ரயில் (எண்: 16751) இரவு 9.05 மணிக்கும் தாம்பரம் நிலையத்திலிருந்து புறப்பட்டுச் செல்லும்.

சென்னை எழும்பூரிலிருந்து மும்பை செல்லும் அதிவிரைவு ரயில் (எண்: 22158), வரும் பிப். 4 முதல் ஏப். 4-ஆம் தேதி வரை எழும்பூருக்குப் பதிலாக சென்னை கடற்கரையிலிருந்து மாலை 6.50 மணிக்குப் புறப்பட்டுச் செல்லும்.

மாற்றுப் பாதை: ஆமதாபாத் - திருச்சி இடையே இயக்கப்படும் வாராந்திர சிறப்பு ரயில் (எண்: 09419/09420) பிப். 5 முதல் ஏப். 2 -ஆம் தேதி வரை இருமாா்க்கத்திலும் அரக்கோணம், பெரம்பூா், எழும்பூா் மற்றும் தாம்பரத்துக்குப் பதிலாக ரேணிகுண்டா, அரக்கோணம் வடக்கு, மேல்பாக்கம், காட்பாடி, வேலூா், விழுப்புரம் வழியாக இயக்கப்படும் என அதில் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

Phase-2 metro stretch getting ready for final inspection

Phase-2 metro stretch getting ready for final inspection

 U.Tejonmayam@timesofindia.com 22.01.2026

Chennai : The 14.5-km phase-2 metro rail stretch from Poonamallee Bypass to Vadapalani is getting ready for final inspection by the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) ahead of its proposed opening for passenger operations in Feb. Commuters, however, may not get access to at least seven stations between Porur Junction and Saligramam immediately, as civil work and passenger amenities at these stations are yet to be completed. 

These stations will instead be commissioned in phases before mid-2026, officials said. The stretch includes seven stations, of which four are double-decker stations spread over a 4-km section. When the line opens next month, driverless metro trains will bypass these stations and terminate at Vadapalani, where commuters can use the existing skywalk to use the phase-1 metro line towards airport, Central and Egmore. 

On Wednesday, workers were seen preparing the skywalk and entry points at Vadapalani station, while stations between Porur and Poonamallee Bypass were getting final touches to their facades. “We will open stations one by one before June 2026, which was the original target,” a metro rail official said. 

The stations between Porur Junction and Saligramam include the doubledecker stations at Alapakkam, Karambakkam, Valsaravakkam and Alwarthirunagar, besides Saligramam Warehouse and Saligramam stations. 

The 14.5-km stretch forms part of the 26.1-km corridor-4 from Lighthouse to Poonamallee Bypass. CMRL began trial runs between Porur and Poonamallee in 2025, followed by trials on the Vadapalani–Porur section in Jan 2026. So far, CMRS completed inspection of the driverless trains, while inspections of the viaduct, tracks, signalling systems and station amenities are yet to be carried out. After inspections, CMRS will submit its report to the Railway Board. “After the Railway Board issues the authorisation for passenger operations, we will inform both Centre and state govt, which will decide the opening date,” the official said.

Officials said advancing the opening to Vadapalani, instead of waiting till June, would allow phase-2 to connect with existing phase-1 lines. “It will make commuting to city easier, as passengers can now reach airport or Central via Vadapalani,” said a resident of Iyyappanthangal, S Hemachandran.

Vande Bharat Sleeper ticket cancellation to be costly affair Indian Railways has introduced stricter cancellation charges for its new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.

Jan 19, 2026, 2:19 IST

Vande Bharat Sleeper ticket cancellation to be costly affair Indian Railways has introduced stricter cancellation charges for its new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.

Passengers face a 25% deduction for cancellations made anytime after booking, escalating to 50% if cancelled between 72 and eight hours before departure. No refunds are offered for cancellations within eight hours of departure, a change from previous norms.

Dipak K DashTNN

While a 25% deduction will apply if a ticket is cancelled anytime after purchasing, a 50% charge will be levied if cancellation is done between 72 hours and 8 hours before scheduled departure NEW DELHI: Cancelling confirmed tickets of newly launched Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will be costlier for passengers, according to new norms notified by the Railways. While a 25% deduction will apply if a ticket booked in this premium train is cancelled anytime after purchasing, a 50% charge will be levied if cancellation is done between 72 hours and eight hours before the train's scheduled departure. There will be no refund, if a ticket is cancelled less than eight hours before scheduled departure, the norms state. This provision has been introduced considering that the Railways has started preparing the reservation chart eight hours before a train's departure against the earlier norm of four hours.

India Reveals First Vande Bharat Sleeper Offering Faster Overnight Travel On Kolkata-Guwahati Line

The new cancellation rules for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are significantly different and stricter as compared to other trains, including the operational Vande Bharat chair-car trains. Officials said the norms reduce the time for cancelling tickets and change refund amounts for Vande Bharat Sleeper trains as passengers will be issued only confirmed tickets in these services. There will be no provision for reservation against cancellation tickets, they said. 

Rules for other trains state that passengers are levied a flat cancellation rate of Rs 240 for first AC, Rs 200 for Tier-2 AC, Rs 180 for Tier-3 AC, Rs 120 for Sleeper and Rs 60 for Second Class, if they cancel tickets anytime before 48 hours prior to a train's scheduled departure. If anyone cancels a ticket between 48 hours and up to 12 hours before scheduled departure, a 25% cancellation charge is levied, and there is a 50% deduction for tickets cancelled between 12 hours and up to four hours before departure. There is no refund for confirmed tickets in case they are not cancelled or ticket deposit receipt (TDR) not filed online up to four hours before scheduled departure, the rules state.

 Regarding Vande Bharat Sleeper trains fares, the Railway Board has said the minimum chargeable distance will be 400km and there will be quota only for women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens and those with duty pass. No other reservation will be applicable.

Chennai Central station’s retiring rooms & dorms to get makeover

Chennai Central station’s retiring rooms & dorms to get makeover

Venkadesan.S@timesofindia.com 11.01.2026

Chennai : Southern Railway will renovate retiring rooms and dormitories at MGR Chennai Central station to provide a star-hotel-like experience to passengers. The station has nine airconditioned rooms, a 23-bed air-conditioned male dormitory, and a fivebed female dormitory at the concourse level. They are available for up to ₹500 for three hours. “The unused vacant space at the concourse will also be developed to provide a premium experience to passengers looking for a short stay ahead of, or after, a long journey,” said an official with the Chennai division of the Southern Railway. 

The railways will outsource the facility to an agency. Those with prior experience in the hospitality sector can participate in the open tender, develop the facility, and maintain it for five years, which can be extended by up to four years. “So far, the railways maintained the facility. Now, the facility will be modernised under the renovate, operate, maintain, and transfer model. The aim is to provide passengers with a more comfortable, contemporary, and pleasant stay experience in line with present-day standards,” he added.

The retiring rooms are close to commercial outlets, restaurants, eateries, and other essential amenities, and passengers can easily reach the platforms. T Sadagopan, a civic activist, while welcoming the move, raised concern about whether the facility would remain affordable to all passengers. “If they hike the price to premium rates, many may not be able to afford it,” he said.

 1/11/26, 6:32 AM Times of India ePaper chennai - Read Today’s English News Paper Online https://epaper.indiatimes.com/timesepaper/publication-the-times-of-india,city-chennai.cms 1/2 MODERN UPGRADE 1/11/26, 6:32 AM Times of India ePaper chennai - Read Today’s English News Paper Online

Chennai Metro trial run in Porur-Vadapalani stretch on Sunday

 Chennai Metro trial run in Porur-Vadapalani stretch on Sunday

10.01.2026

Chennai Metro Rail said the trial run, scheduled for January 11, follows the completion of initial traction testing and electrification works, which are expected to conclude by Friday midnight.

Chennai Metro train stationed at the CMRL station near Porur junction.(File Photo | Express)

Express News Service

Updated on:
09 Jan 2026, 7:10 pm

CHENNAI: One of Chennai’s most complex new transport structures — a double-decker viaduct carrying metro trains above a major arterial road — will come under live testing on Sunday as Chennai Metro Rail conducts the first trial run on the Porur–Vadapalani stretch of its Phase II expansion.

Chennai Metro Rail said the trial run, scheduled for January 11, follows the completion of initial traction testing and electrification works, which are expected to conclude by Friday midnight. Integrated system testing, covering rolling stock movement, power supply and signalling interfaces, will continue through Saturday, with the timing of Sunday’s run to be announced later.

The Porur–Vadapalani section is notable not only for being among the first Phase II stretches to enter the trial stage, but also for incorporating a double-decker design — a relatively rare solution in Indian urban rail projects. The structure allows metro infrastructure to be layered above an existing road corridor, reducing the need for land acquisition while preserving surface traffic capacity in a densely built part of the city.

Connectivity along the Porur–Vadapalani corridor carries particular urban significance. The stretch cuts across heavily congested east–west routes linking western suburbs with central Chennai, serving dense residential neighbourhoods, educational institutions, healthcare clusters, and emerging commercial pockets.

The corridor has been executed using round-the-clock shifts involving several hundred engineers, technicians and contract workers across civil, electrical and signalling disciplines. The corridor is likely to be put into use for commuters by February.

1st 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train set for Delhi-Kol run by month-end

1st Vande Bharat sleeper train set for Delhi-Kol run by month-end 

New Delhi : 01.01.2026

The first Vande Bharat sleeper train is likely to be flagged off for the Delhi-Kolkata route later this month, weeks before assembly elections in West Bengal, reports Dipak Dash . “The train is now ready for commercial operation after successfully completing the final high-speed trial. 

The railways’ focus is take modern trains to all parts of the country as more such trains are rolled out. We expect the operation of the first train to start in third week of this month,” said an official. Railway minister Ashwini Vaihnaw on Wednesday shared a video of the highspeed trial of the train on social media, highlighting the successful CRS (Commission of Railway Safety) trial at 180 kmph on the Kota–Nagda section. 

The video showed a waterglass stability demonstration, in which glasses filled with water remained steady without spillage even at high speed.

ஜன. 14 முதல் ‘ரயில்ஒன்’ செயலியில் முன்பதிவில்லா பயணச்சீட்டுக்கு 3% தள்ளுபடி

ஜன. 14 முதல் ‘ரயில்ஒன்’ செயலியில் முன்பதிவில்லா பயணச்சீட்டுக்கு 3% தள்ளுபடி

ரயில்வேயில் எண்ம பரிவா்த்தனைகளை ஊக்குவிக்கும் வகையில், ‘ரயில்ஒன்’ செயலி மூலம் வாங்கப்படும் முன்பதிவில்லா பயணச்சீட்டுகளுக்கு 3 சதவீத தள்ளுபடி வழங்கப்படும் என அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

தினமணி செய்திச் சேவை Updated on: 31 டிசம்பர் 2025, 3:08 am ரயில்வேயில் எண்ம பரிவா்த்தனைகளை ஊக்குவிக்கும் வகையில், ‘ரயில்ஒன்’ செயலி மூலம் வாங்கப்படும் முன்பதிவில்லா பயணச்சீட்டுகளுக்கு 3 சதவீத தள்ளுபடி வழங்கப்படும் என அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இந்தச் சலுகை வரும் ஜன. 14-ஆம் தேதிமுதல் ஜூலை 14-ஆம் தேதி வரை ஆறு மாதங்களுக்கு அமலில் இருக்கும் என்றும் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

தற்போதைய நடைமுறைப்படி, ‘ரயில்ஒன்’ செயலியில் ‘ஆா்-வாலட்’ மூலம் பயணச்சீட்டு வாங்குபவா்களுக்கு மட்டுமே 3 சதவீத ‘கேஷ்பேக்’ சலுகை வழங்கப்பட்டு வருகிறது. ஆனால், புதிய அறிவிப்பின்படி, அனைத்து வகையான எண்ம பணப் பரிமாற்ற முறைகளிலும் பயணச்சீட்டு வாங்குபவா்களுக்கு இந்த 3 சதவீத நேரடி தள்ளுபடி கிடைக்கும்.

இதற்கேற்ப மென்பொருள் அமைப்பில் தேவையான மாற்றங்களைச் செய்ய ரயில்வே தகவல் அமைப்பு மையத்துக்கு (சிஆா்ஐஎஸ்) ரயில்வே அமைச்சகம் உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

மேலும், இந்தத் திட்டத்தின் செயல்பாடுகள் மற்றும் பயணிகளின் வரவேற்பு குறித்த அறிக்கையை அடுத்த ஆண்டு, மே மாதத்தில் சமா்ப்பிக்குமாறு சிஆா்ஐஎஸ் மையத்துக்கு அறிவுறுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது. அதனடிப்படையில், இந்தச் சலுகையை மேலும் நீட்டிப்பது குறித்து ஆலோசிக்கப்படும் எனத் தெரிகிறது.

Now you cannot book rail tickets without Aadhaar; Check new rules here

Now you cannot book rail tickets without Aadhaar; Check new rules here

Previously, you could book tickets 120 days in advance, but from November 1, 2024, the railways reduced this to 60 days.

Updated: December 30, 2025 12:26 AM IST

By Tahir Qureshi| Edited by Tahir Qureshi

New Delhi: From today, December 29, IRCTC users without Aadhaar linking will not be able to book tickets between 8 AM and 12 PM. This rule will only apply on the first day of reserved rail ticket booking. Reserved ticket booking opens 60 days before the train’s departure date. The Railways is implementing this rule in three phases. The first phase has been implemented from today. The second phase will be implemented from January 5, and the third phase from January 12.

From December 29, tickets cannot be booked without Aadhaar from 8 AM to 12 PM. From January 5, ticket booking will be restricted from 8 AM to 4 PM, and from January 12, such users will not be able to book tickets from 8 AM to 12 AM (midnight).

Prevent Bookings Via Fake Accounts

The objective is to give as many passengers as possible the opportunity to book tickets online on the opening day and to prevent bookings through fake accounts.

These Are The New Rules For General Reservation Ticket Booking

This rule is introduced to curb ticket touts and fraudulent software. This will make it easier for ordinary passengers to get confirmed tickets on the opening day. Agents will not be able to book tickets during the first 4 hours. Ordinary users will have a full opportunity to book.

The IRCTC account will have to be linked with Aadhaar. An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number at the time of booking, and the ticket will be confirmed only after entering it. Users without Aadhaar linking will not be able to book tickets during the first 4 hours (window opening). They will get a chance only after that. Currently, no other option has been provided.

Changes For Buying Tickets From The Station Counter

OTP is also required at the counter. Your mobile number must be linked to your Aadhaar. If you are booking tickets for someone else, their Aadhaar and OTP will also be required. To link Aadhaar on IRCTC, log in to the IRCTC app or website. Go to the ‘My Profile’ section, select the ‘Aadhaar KYC’ option, and update your details.

Where To Get Help From?

For booking or OTP-related issues, call the IRCTC helpline (139). For Aadhaar-related problems, contact UIDAI at 1947. You can also seek help at the counter of your nearest railway station.

This rule is applicable across all railway zones in India. Aadhaar authentication is now mandatory for online and counter bookings on every route.

What Is The Railway’s 60-day Rule?

Previously, you could book tickets 120 days (4 months) in advance, but from November 1, 2024, the railways reduced this to 60 days (2 months). This means reservations can be made a maximum of 60 days before the date of travel. This does not include the day of travel. Booking opens every day at 8:00 AM for the 60th day from the current date.