Title - Unannounced signal testing derails train traffic

CHENNAI: A day after electric multiple unit (EMU) services were disrupted on the Beach-Tambaram section, railway authorities on Sunday tested the signals, affecting suburban train services for more than three hours.
Commuters had a harrowing time because of the unannounced testing. EMU trains were abruptly halted at various railway stations. According to eyewitnesses, passengers in trains halted at railway stations, including Nungambakkam and Kodambakkam, chose to continue their journey by other modes of transport.
When some trains arrived as late as 30 minutes, passengers rushed to board the already congested coaches. The few trains operating on the main line did little to ease the rush. Commuters were only forced to run from one platform to another, resulting in chaos on several stations between Beach and Tambaram.
Disruptions were reported between 10.35 am and 2.05 pm. It was alleged that signal failure caused large-scale disruptions in train services on Saturday, the second time in the past week. While some officials claim that the reason for the signal failure was cables damaged by miscreants, others are of the view that it was a technical snag.