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Train travel between Chennai and Arakkonam has become 10 to 15 minutes faster after Southern Railway completed a major ₹97-crore yard remodelling project at Arakkonam railway station. Although completed recently, it is expected to improve train movement, reduce delays, and make railway operations smoother on one of Tamil Nadu's busiest rail routes.
Yard Remodelling Project to Reduce Train Travel between Chennai and Arakkonam
Arakkonam is an important railway junction that handles heavy passenger traffic every day. Around 200 suburban trains operate between Chennai Central, Arakkonam, and Tiruttani, while more than 130 express trains also pass through the station daily. Because of this heavy traffic, trains often faced delays, especially near Thiruvalangadu, where suburban trains had to wait for express trains to pass. Thousands of daily commuters and long-distance passengers are expected to benefit from the completed upgrade.
Expansion of Railway Tracks
One of the biggest improvements is the expansion of the railway tracks between Puliyamangalam and Arakkonam. Earlier, this 2-km stretch had only two tracks, creating a bottleneck for train movement. The section has now been expanded to four tracks, allowing suburban and express trains to run independently without waiting for each other. This has significantly reduced congestion and improved punctuality.
As part of the project, three platforms at Arakkonam station have also been extended. These platforms, which could earlier accommodate 18-coach trains, can now handle 24-coach trains, making it easier to operate longer-distance services. In addition, Arakkonam now has the largest Electronic Interlocking yard in Southern Railway, capable of managing 478 signalled routes. Separate operational grids have also been created for suburban trains, mainline trains, and services running towards Renigunta, improving overall efficiency and safety.
Railway officials believe the completed yard remodelling project will improve train punctuality, reduce waiting time, increase operational capacity, and provide a faster and more comfortable travel experience for passengers travelling between Chennai, Arakkonam, and other important destinations across southern India.