Silambu Express passengers protest AC coach mix-up at Tambaram railway station

CHENNAI: Tensions flared at the Tambaram Railway Station on Saturday night as passengers aboard the Tambaram-Sengottai Silambu Express staged a protest over being assigned non-AC sleeper coaches despite booking AC tickets, in the scorching summer, leading to a 90-minute delay in the train's departure.

The incident unfolded at Platform 9 of Tambaram station, where the Silambu Express was scheduled to depart for Sengottai in Tenkasi at 9 pm.

The train was supposed to hold two second-tier AC sleeper coaches, but only one AC coach and an extra non-AC sleeper coach were attached, per the officials. Around 60 passengers were affected by this and proceeded to file a complaint with the coach in-charge and the railway staff. Taken aback by the personnel's passive attitude, the passengers resorted to protest by pulling the train's chain and occupying the platform.

Railway officials, security personnel, and police rushed to negotiate, but passengers accused staff of dismissiveness and intimidation.

The situation escalated further as the officials warned them that they could not stop the train "for such reasons". Protesters refused to relent, condemning the railway's negligence in allocating coaches and charging AC fares for non-AC services.

Tambaram's station manager arrived nearly 30 minutes later, assuring passengers of a refund for the fare difference and promising an inquiry into the coach misallocation and staff conduct. "Those responsible for the oversight and employees who used harsh language will face action," he stated. However, he clarified that arranging an alternate AC coach was impossible immediately, urging passengers to continue their journey in the non-AC coach.

The protest drew mixed reactions. Other travellers, affected by the delay, appealed to the demonstrators to withdraw their agitation. "Your protest is inconveniencing everyone. Lodge a formal complaint instead," they urged. With no immediate recourse, the protesting passengers eventually boarded the non-AC coach, allowing the train to depart at 10.30 pm—90 minutes behind schedule.

An official attached to the Southern Railway said, "The coach which is known as 'sick coach' was removed for maintenance and was informed to the reserved passengers earlier before the journey through a text message. It happens at times in railways. And in such cases, due to technical reasons, it is not possible to attach the AC coach, and the sleeper is the only possible option."