Tambaram Sanatorium railway station, named after a hospital
Tambaram Sanatorium railway station (code TBMS) is on the Chennai Beach–Chengalpattu section of the Chennai Suburban Railway, run by the Southern Railway. It serves the Tambaram Sanatorium neighbourhood and surrounding areas, about 27 km from Chennai Beach, and is used by both South and South West line trains.
Why the station was built
The line through here is old: the Madras Beach–Tambaram suburban section opened on 11 May 1931, was electrified on 15 November 1931 and switched to 25 kV AC on 15 January 1967. The station itself came much later. As the Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine, the sanatorium that gives the area its name, expanded and gained importance in the 1970s, a station was built to serve the locality. Patients, visitors and hospital staff still use it today.
Platforms
There are 4 platforms and four tracks, linked by a foot overbridge. The platforms are long enough for 24-coach trains and have display boards showing arrivals and departures. Parking is available. The station is about 32 metres above sea level, between Chromepet and Tambaram; to the south lies Perungalathur.
Take care on the tracks
The stretch along the station has been considered one of the most dangerous accident zones on the Guindy–Chengalpattu section. As of 2011, about 15 accidents a month were happening on the Chromepet–Tambaram stretch. Always use the foot overbridge rather than walking across the lines, and keep well back from the platform edge when fast trains pass.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Tambaram Sanatorium?
The area takes its name from the sanatorium, now the Government Hospital of Thoracic Medicine, which the station was built to serve.
How far is Tambaram Sanatorium from Chennai Beach?
About 27 km.
How many platforms does Tambaram Sanatorium have?
Four.
For trains from Chennai's main terminals, see our train schedule page, or Chennai Egmore.