Chennai AC EMU Trains Record Highest-Ever Monthly Ridership in May 2026

Southern Railway has recorded the highest-ever monthly ridership for Chennai’s AC suburban train services since their launch last year, with more than 1.24 lakh passengers travelling in May 2026.

According to data released by the Chennai Division of Southern Railway, a total of 1,24,263 passengers used the AC EMU services operating between Chennai Beach, Tambaram and Chengalpattu during May. This is the first time the premium suburban rail service has crossed the one lakh passenger mark in a single month.

Between January and May 2026, a total of 4,32,462 passengers travelled on the AC EMU network. Monthly ridership figures stood at 69,454 in January, 66,138 in February, 89,176 in March, 87,431 in April and 1,24,263 in May.

The latest figures show an increase of nearly 42% compared to April, when 87,431 passengers used the service. Officials believe the sharp rise in ridership is mainly due to the intense summer heat, with more commuters preferring air-conditioned travel options.

Currently, Southern Railway operates 10 AC EMU services on the Chennai Beach–Tambaram–Chengalpattu suburban corridor, one of the busiest railway routes in Chennai.

However, some commuters have raised concerns over ticket pricing. Daily passengers say the AC train fare is expensive compared to regular suburban EMU services, especially for office-goers travelling long distances.