Chennai marked a new milestone in its suburban transport system with the launch of Southern Railway’s first Air-Conditioned Electric Multiple Unit (AC EMU) train on April 19, 2025. This modern service aims to offer metro-like comfort for daily commuters across the city and suburbs.
Route & Operating Days
- Route: Chennai Beach – Tambaram – Chengalpattu
- Train Numbers: 49001 to 49006
- Operating Days: Monday to Saturday (No services on Sundays)
Train Schedule
Chennai Beach to Chengalpattu:
- 7:00 AM – 8:35 AM
- 3:45 PM – 5:25 PM
Chengalpattu to Chennai Beach:
- 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
- 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM
Tambaram to Chennai Beach (Short Route):
- 5:45 PM – 6:45 PM
Chennai Beach to Tambaram:
- 7:35 PM – 8:30 PM
Key Features of the AC EMU Train
- Fully air-conditioned coaches
- Stainless steel seating with wide panoramic windows
- Automatic sliding doors with sealed gangways
- LED lighting and GPS-based display boards
- Emergency passenger talk-back system
- CCTV surveillance
- Regenerative braking system
- Air spring suspension for smoother rides
- Designed to carry around 5,000 passengers
Major Stations Covered
- Chennai Beach
- Chennai Fort
- Park Station
- Egmore
- Mambalam
- Guindy
- St. Thomas Mount
- Tirusulam
- Tambaram
- Perungalathur
- Guduvanchery
- Potheri
- Singaperumal Koil
- Paranur
- Chengalpattu
Fare Details
- Ticket Fare Range: ₹35 (up to 10 km) to ₹105 (up to 60 km)
- Monthly Season Tickets: ₹620 to ₹2,115 (based on distance)
Note: First Class season ticket holders are not allowed to travel in these AC EMU services unless they buy the specific AC EMU tickets.
Southern Railway’s new AC EMU is a big step towards modernizing public transport in Chennai, especially considering the city’s tropical climate. This initiative brings faster, cooler, and more comfortable travel to thousands of daily commuters.
