Ambattur Railway Station: 5 Trains, Including Tirupati Express, May Get Stoppages

The Railway Ministry is examining a proposal to provide stoppages for five trains at Ambattur railway station in Chennai to improve passenger connectivity. The proposal was submitted by AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP M. Dhanapal, who has also requested additional railway infrastructure and passenger facilities at the station.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed in a letter dated September 23 that the request had been referred for examination of operational feasibility. Further action will be considered after the feasibility report is received.

Five Trains Proposed to Stop at Ambattur

The MP has requested one-minute stoppages at Ambattur for the following trains and services:

- Tirupati Express

- Garudadri Express

- Chennai–Ashokapuram Express

- Chennai–Mumbai Express

- Two fast suburban EMU services

The proposed stoppages are intended to improve access to long-distance and suburban rail services for passengers travelling from Ambattur and surrounding areas.

Demand for a Fourth Platform

Dhanapal has also requested the construction of a fourth platform at Ambattur railway station. The station currently has three platforms, serving suburban slow lines and express and fast local trains on the Chennai–Tiruvallur section.

According to the MP, the lack of an additional platform limits the ability to accommodate more express trains and fast suburban services. Passengers travelling towards Chennai Central and Chennai Beach also face difficulties because of limited platform facilities for trains in the return direction.

Some passengers have to travel to Villivakkam or Perambur and continue their journeys by road.

Additional Passenger Facilities Requested

The MP has sought several other improvements at Ambattur railway station, including:

- A ticket counter at the northern entrance towards Venkatapuram and the local market.

- Bulk reservation facilities for passengers.

- Reclassification of the station from the Suburban Group (SG) to the Non-Suburban Group (NSG) category to facilitate infrastructure improvements.

Currently, passengers entering from the northern side must reach the southern entrance to purchase tickets, causing inconvenience to local residents.

Ambattur Station Handles Over 1 Crore Passengers

In his letter, Dhanapal stated that Ambattur railway station handled more than one crore passengers during 2022–23. He highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and passenger facilities to meet growing demand.

The proposed train stoppages and infrastructure upgrades are still under examination. The Railwayay Ministry`s next steps will depend on the operational feasibility assessment.