Digital Coach Guidance Displays Fail at Tiruvallur Station, Causing Passenger Chaos
Passengers at Tiruvallur railway station are experiencing significant difficulties in locating their train compartments, as digital coach guidance displays (CGDs) have been non-functional for more than a month. This issue is particularly critical given that Tiruvallur is a major rail hub on the Chennai–Tirupati line, handling numerous important trains.
Short Halts Exacerbate Passenger Struggles
Several key trains, including the Tirupati Express, Kovai Superfast Express, and Shatabdi Express, halt at Tiruvallur for only one to two minutes. Without functioning coach indicator boards, passengers are forced to scramble to identify their reserved compartments within this brief window, leading to confusion and potential missed connections.
The situation has worsened since January 26, 2026, following the addition of a stoppage for the Chennai–Bengaluru double-decker express at Tiruvallur. In the absence of digital guidance displays, passengers are compelled to run along the platform to locate their coaches, creating a chaotic and unsafe environment.
Commuters Voice Concerns Over Future Challenges
K Bhaskar, a former DRUCC member, highlighted the severity of the issue, noting that passengers are struggling due to the lack of functional displays. Commuters also fear that the problem will intensify with the planned introduction of LHB coaches in all trains.
"A 24-coach ICF train is almost the same length as a 22-coach LHB train. So, LHB trains will stop beyond the expected point, further confusing passengers," Bhaskar explained. This mismatch in stopping positions could lead to additional delays and safety hazards, especially during peak travel times.
Railway Authorities Unresponsive to Inquiries
Despite multiple attempts to seek clarification, divisional railway manager Shailendra Singh was unavailable for comment. The lack of official response has left passengers frustrated and uncertain about when the digital displays will be repaired or replaced.
The ongoing malfunction of the coach guidance displays at Tiruvallur station underscores broader concerns about railway infrastructure maintenance and passenger safety. As a critical transit point, timely resolution of this issue is essential to ensure smooth and efficient travel for thousands of commuters daily.
