2 min readOct 23, 2026 02:12 PM ISTChennai Central-Arakkonam route gets its first AC EMU local train service. (Image: Southern Railway/Enhanced using AI)AI Narration Listen 00:000.5x0.75x1x1.25x1.5x2xThank you for your feedback.Your feedback has been reported succesfully.Chennai Central-Arakkonam AC local train service: For the first time, an air-conditioned electric multiple unit (AC EMU) train service has commenced operations on the Chennai Central-Arakkonam route. This marks the second AC EMU service in the Chennai Suburban Railway network. The first such service was introduced on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu section on April 19, 2025. The suburban railway network in Chennai is maintained and operated by the Southern Railway (SR) zone.According to SN Narain, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of Southern Railway, the AC local train service on the Chennai Central-Arakkonam section will operate on a trial basis until December 24, 2026. He added that the service will run five days a week, from Monday to Friday, and will remain unavailable on Saturdays and Sundays.“The launch follows the encouraging response to the AC EMU service on the Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu section and reflects Southern Railway’s commitment to offering its suburban passengers a comfortable, modern and reliable travel experience,” Narain said.Also Read | Bengaluru to Mumbai in 16 hours: India’s second Vande Bharat Sleeper to launch on November 13 pairs of AC EMU services to run on trial basis in Chennai Suburban networkThe railway official also stated that three pairs of AC EMU services will operate on a trial basis across the Chennai Central-Avadi-Arakkonam section. These will include one pair each on the Chennai Central-Avadi, Chennai Central-Arakkonam and Avadi-Arakkonam routes.Chennai–Avadi–Arakkonam AC EMU services: full timetableSix AC EMU services will run between Chennai Central, Avadi and Arakkonam from October 23 to December 24, 2026. Two of them are fast services.Towards Avadi and ArakkonamTowards Chennai CentralExpress InfoGenIEHTML Code Copied to ClipboardChennai Central-Arakkonam AC EMU train serviceDeveloped by Chennai-based Integral Coach Factory (ICF), the Chennai Central-Arakkonam AC local train is composed of 12 cars and is equipped with several modern features that offer metro-like comfort with a higher carrying capacity of around 5,000 passengers. This AC local train is also equipped with several modern features, including automatic sliding doors, sealed gangways for uninterrupted movement, stainless steel seating, panoramic wide glass windows, aesthetic lighting, GPS-based LED displays, CCTV surveillance, and a passenger talk-back system for emergencies.The train also features energy-efficient regenerative electro-pneumatic brakes that can save up to 35 per cent of electrical energy and air spring suspension for superior riding comfort.© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdAnish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More AdvertisementLoading Recommendations...AdvertisementLive BlogUdta Teer Review and Release Live Updates: Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer is ‘Dhurandhar in reverse’, fans loving the ‘laugh riot’19 minutes agoDelhi Protest Live Updates: Traffic diversion near Bangla Sahib Gurudwara, Jantar Mantar till 5pm amid call for anti-CEC protest21 minutes agoJailer 2 Box Office Collection Day 8 Updates: Rajinikanth film earns Rs 606.5 cr; sells record 8.7 million tickets on BookMyShow40 minutes agoIndia News Live Updates, 22 October 2026: Bomb threat received at Mumbai’s mayor’s office, nothing suspicious found47 minutes agoWorld News Today Live Updates: 14 Indians involved in yacht incident off Yemen coast, Indian embassy assures help16 hours agoAdvertisement