The lack of coordination between the administration of Tiruttani and Tiruvallur with the railway authorities came to the fore when thousands of commuters faced huge inconvenience due to the halt of suburban train services on the western section for track maintenance work on July 24. Line block announced by Chennai Division for repair of bridge at Avadi as suburban train services were cancelled.
Pattabiram’s Railway Passengers Association President A Roy Rosario said that though railway officials operated passenger specials on the fast track, many passengers got stuck due to skipping stoppages at several railway stations. Also, TNPSC exam aspirants also had to find their own means of transport to reach the exam centers in the city. Social activist T. Sadagopan said hundreds of devotees visiting Tiruvallur and Tiruttani and its surrounding temples to participate in the Aadi Utsav by Line Block also faced immense hardship. The Railway Passengers’ Association wanted the authorities to take back the old practice of giving line blocks for maintenance work from 11 pm to 4 am so that suburban commuters do not face any difficulties.
A senior Chennai division official said that normally, maintenance timings were announced and scheduled in advance so that there would be minimum impact on the operation of suburban train services. The line block could have been canceled had the state government informed them about the TNPSC exam and Aadi Utsav, the official said.