A Chennai Metro train came to an abrupt halt in a tunnel between Central and High Court stations. Passengers were immediately safely evacuated and the faulty train was removed from the track. At least 20 passengers were stranded between the two stations early this morning.
A video of the incident where a crowd patiently waits without power in a train has gone viral on social media.
Chennai Metro Rail later said services had returned to normal at 6:20 am. It apologized for the inconvenience caused to the morning commuter.
“Due to technical issues, the metro train was halted between High Court and Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. MG Ramachandran Central Station. Immediate evacuation was carried out and the train was immediately withdrawn from the line. Normal operations resumed at 06:20. We regret the inconvenience (sic) caused,” Chennai Metro Rail wrote.
Check out this viral video, apparently taken before the immediate evacuation.
According to Chennai Metro Rail’s 8:30 am update, services are running normally as per weekday timetable. However, several escalators and lifts at the MGR Central Metro station were out of service. These included the E03, E33, E35, E36 and E47 escalators. Lifts 03 and 17 at entrance B1 were also not in operation.
Escalator 05 at Pachaiyappas College and Escalator 05 at Government Estate have been shut down for safety reasons.
Chennai Metro Rail has advised passengers to use alternate entrances and be cautious while using staircases at all stations.
“The public is encouraged to use rail transport for their journey,” he added.
Is the Chennai metro flooded?
“No water stagnation observed at Kellys metro station. CMRL teams continue to remain on high alert at all Phase 2 locations, closely monitoring heavy rains and managing flood conditions to ensure safety,” it said in another update.
Chennai Metro issued the update apparently to put an end to rumors that heavy rain and cyclonic conditions have inundated the Phase 2 works. The authority publishes real-time monsoon bulletins and says there is no water stagnation at places like Moolakadai, Royapettah High Road and Apollo junctions.
After heavy rain and flooding in Chennai due to Cyclone Ditwah, pumps and flood response teams remain on full duty in all corridors.
