Chennai Suburban Railway
Four major lines carrying 1.2 million passengers daily across the Chennai metropolitan area.
Chennai Beach – Tambaram Line
The busiest suburban corridor in Chennai, running 29 km through the heart of the city. This line is the lifeline for thousands of daily commuters, connecting the northern business district around Park and Egmore to the southern residential suburbs of Chromepet and Tambaram. The line passes through West Mambalam (Mambalam station) and Guindy, making it essential for workers commuting to the Guindy industrial corridor.
Chennai Beach – Gummidipoondi Line
The northern suburban line connecting Chennai Beach to Gummidipoondi, running 51 km through Royapuram, Washermanpet, and the industrial corridor of Ennore and Tiruvottiyur. This line serves the port areas, fishing harbours, and the Ennore thermal power station zone. It continues beyond the city to the northern suburbs and is vital for workers in the Manali industrial complex.
Chennai Beach – Chengalpattu Line
An extension of the Beach–Tambaram corridor, this line continues south from Tambaram through Perungalathur, Vandalur (home to the Arignar Anna Zoological Park), and Guduvancheri before reaching Chengalpattu. It serves the rapidly growing southern suburbs and is critical for residents commuting from the affordable housing belt south of Tambaram.
Chennai Beach – Arakkonam Line
The western suburban line running through Pattabiram, Avadi, and Tiruvallur towards Arakkonam. This corridor serves the military cantonment areas around Avadi and the rapidly growing western suburbs. Avadi, home to the Heavy Vehicles Factory, sees heavy commuter traffic on this line.
Useful Information
Operator
Southern Railway (Indian Railways)
Zone
Chennai Division, Southern Railway
Helpline
139 (IVRS) / 044-2535 5215
Ticketing
Unreserved tickets from counters or UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) mobile app. Season passes available for daily commuters at discounted rates.
Coach Types
General (unreserved) coaches, women-only coaches, and luggage/brake vans.
Accessibility
Most major stations have foot-over-bridges. Wheelchair ramps available at select stations.