Trains from Chennai run out of water, Southern Rly struggles to meet needs

SOUTHERN Railway hasn't been spared the effects of Tamil Nadu's water scarcity, with a few intercity and long distance express trains from Chennai Central and Coimbatore recently running out of water within two to three hours of departure leaving passengers in the lurch.

- B ANBUSELVAN

Passengers on Chennai Central - Salem section also had to endure the stench emanating from the toilets after the train's tanks ran dry. The railway has been struggling to supply its trains, departing from Chennai Central, Chennai Egmore and a few other stations, with water amid groundwater depletion and dwindling supply from private tankers.

According to sources, the railways typically supplies water to meet 50% of the need on off-peak days (Monday to Thursday) due to limited occupancy on trains and increases the supply to 75% on weekends (Friday to Sunday) for regular services. However, due to shortage, the railways last week halved the supply during weekdays even when summer holidays were in full swing and all trains were operating at 100% occupancy. Consequently, trains departing from Chennai Central had only water to meet 25% of their usual demand.