Perungalathur railway station, beyond Tambaram
Perungalathur railway station (code PRGL) is an NSG-3 station in the Chennai division of the Southern Railway. It lies on the Chennai Beach–Chengalpattu section of the Chennai Suburban Railway and serves the southern neighbourhoods of Perungalathur and Peerkankaranai. It is about 32 km from Chennai Beach, on NH-45 (GST Road), at about 26 metres above sea level.
History
The lines through the station were electrified on 9 January 1965, as part of the Tambaram–Chengalpattu electrification. South and South West line trains both stop here.
Platforms and layout
Perungalathur has 2 platforms and three tracks, linked by a foot overbridge. The platforms take 12-car rakes; Southern Railway began renovating the station in 2012, including platform extensions. Two level crossings sit just beyond the platform ends: LC 32 at the northern end, in Peerkankaranai, and LC 33 at the southern end, in Perungalathur. To avoid closing them, the railways planned a short mini platform for three coaches until both crossings are replaced by road bridges.
Traffic
As of 2012, 84 trains halted at Perungalathur and about 10,000 commuters used it daily. A March 2006 census recorded heavy traffic at both crossings: 861,000 train vehicle units at LC 32 and 743,000 at LC 33.
Plans and safety
In 2011 a road overbridge was planned to replace LC 32, with ramps joining the proposed ₹500 million Eastern Bypass linking Velachery Main Road at Rajakilpakkam with GST Road, and a pedestrian subway was planned to replace LC 33. The crossings matter: as of 2012, at least five people a month were killed on the tracks here on average. Use the footbridge, and never cross the lines when a crossing is closed.
The previous stations towards Beach include Tambaram and Tambaram Sanatorium.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Perungalathur from Chennai Beach?
About 32 km.
How many platforms does Perungalathur station have?
Two, on three tracks.
For long-distance trains, see our train schedule page.