Chennai: Several thousand passengers bound for southern districts were stranded for nearly three hours on Friday evening after smoke in Karunguzhi station’s signalling panel room, near Chengalpet, disrupted trains. At least six southbound express and Chennai-bound and suburban services, were affected.Officials saw smoke after a downpour at Karunguzhi, between Chengalpattu and Madurantakam. Staff switched off electronics and operated trains manually. Nine Egmore-southern trains, including Tiruchendur, Kollam, Kanyakumari, Pearl City, Pothigai, Nellai and Pandian expresses, ran two to four hours late. After inspections, signalling resumed by 9 pm and services gradually normalised.Former DRUCC member R Mathiazhagan urged priority preventive action and monsoon inspections: “It is very important that Southern Railway checks the condition of signalling panels across its jurisdiction. Regular maintenance is essential, especially during the monsoon, as signalling systems play a crucial role in allowing trains to move safely. If the issue had worsened, it could have led to a tragedy,” he said.An official said, “Switching off the electronic equipment helped prevent further damage, while manual operations allowed trains to move through the affected section during the disruption; inspection teams will be formed and necessary action will be taken to check what caused the signal panel failure.”
