Chennai trains were delayed after Yercaud express derailed

The Yercaud express derailed near Arakkonam railway station on Sunday night and this has caused several express and passenger trains running late in Chennai. With trade unions of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation launching an indefinite strike demanding the wage revision and settlement, many people chose to use the train services today. The delay only added to their woes.

The early morning services between Chennai and Bengaluru, Erode and Mangalore were among the impacted ones with a delay of over three hours. Brindavan Express (train no. 12639) which was scheduled to pass through Arakkonam Station within 1.10 hours after starting at 7.50 am at Chennai Central Station was delayed by five hours. Over 15 Chennai bound trains were running late by an hour since early morning.

General secretary of Arakkonam Rail Passengers Association J K Ragunathan said all the 70 electric multiple unit trains plying between Chennai and Arakkonam Stations have been cancelled, adding to the hassle of regular commuters.

He also charged that the railway officials and employees commenced work to remove the derailed engine and coaches two hours after the incident. They have also failed to provide basic amenities to the railway passengers who were stranded in the railway station for over four hours.