Southern Railway Announces New Halt for Chennai-Bengaluru Double Decker Express at Tiruvallur
In a significant development for commuters in the Chennai suburban network, Southern Railway has officially declared that the Chennai–Bengaluru Double Decker Express will make a scheduled halt at Tiruvallur railway station starting from January 26, 2026. This move comes after prolonged demands from passengers and local authorities, aiming to enhance connectivity for the bustling transit point.
Passenger Concerns Over PRS System Glitches
Despite the welcome announcement, commuters have raised immediate concerns regarding the Passenger Reservation System (PRS). According to reports, Tiruvallur station has not been updated in the PRS as a boarding and alighting point for the fully reserved train. This technical oversight has left passengers unable to book tickets to or from Tiruvallur, causing frustration among daily users.
K Bhaskar, a former member of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC), highlighted the issue, stating, "As a result, passengers are currently unable to book tickets to or from Tiruvallur. This should be fixed at the earliest." He emphasized the urgency of resolving this glitch to ensure seamless travel for the estimated one lakh commuters who utilize Tiruvallur station daily, making it a major hub in the suburban network.
Additional PRS System Issues Uncovered
Bhaskar also pointed out another persistent problem in the modernized PRS NDLS system. He noted that additional charges for superfast trains are being collected but are not printed on paper tickets, a discrepancy that has persisted since November 2025. "This issue did not exist in the earlier PRS MAS system," he added, mentioning that a grievance email sent a month ago has yet to receive a response from authorities.
Railway Officials Respond with Assurance
In response to these concerns, Southern Railway officials have acknowledged the PRS update delays. They explained that it typically takes two days to a week for such system modifications to be fully implemented. Assuring prompt action, officials committed to resolving the PRS issues at the earliest to facilitate smooth and hassle-free travel for all passengers.
The announcement of the new halt at Tiruvallur is seen as a positive step toward improving rail connectivity, but the ongoing PRS challenges underscore the need for efficient technological integration in India's railway infrastructure.
