A small number of workmen special trains meant for essential service staff have been plying at Thirumayilai MRTS railway station since early October.
The train service resumed at the station after Southern Railways started running trains under its ‘workmen special’ category.
Staff at the station’s booking office now say that over 40 essential service staff commute via these trains, every day.
Says a staff at the booking office here, “Over 40 essential service staff are travelling via these trains now.”
“This includes bank employees, state and central government staff. We book tickets for them after checking their photo ID card and authorisation letter from their office. Public, however, is not allowed in these trains.”
At present, a total of 15 trains ply through the station, daily. While 2 go to Arakonam, 1 goes to Gummidipoondi and the remaining 12 go to Chennai beach. An equal number of trains return to the station from these places.
Details regarding train timings are pasted at the booking office here.
Essential precautions are also taken at the station to prevent virus spread.
“Commuters are let inside only after checking their temperatures. Masks wearing has been made compulsory for them. We too wear a mask always,” says the staff.
