On Tuesday morning, a Chennai Metro train unexpectedly came to a halt inside a subway tunnel between the Central and High Court stations on the Blue Line. The incident forced passengers to evacuate the train and walk approximately 500 meters through the dimly lit tunnel to reach safety. The disruption, reportedly caused by a technical fault possibly linked to a power outage, left commuters stranded in darkness for about ten minutes before staff issued evacuation instructions.

Passengers shared videos showing moments of confusion and concern inside the stalled train, with many gripping the handrails and trying to understand the situation. Once the announcement was made, commuters—including working professionals, students, women, and elderly riders—formed a line and cautiously walked along the emergency walkway beside the tracks toward High Court station. Chennai Metro Rail personnel accompanied and guided them to ensure safe passage.

The Blue Line train was en route from Chennai International Airport to Wimco Nagar Depot when the sudden stoppage occurred near the Central Metro station, about 500 meters from the Central Railway stretch. Services were disrupted for over half an hour before Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) resolved the issue and restored normal operations. CMRL apologized for the inconvenience and is conducting an internal investigation to prevent similar occurrences.

This incident highlights the importance of robust safety protocols and infrastructure readiness in urban transit systems. Similar evacuations have been executed safely in metros worldwide during unexpected halts, showcasing the value of clear communication and staff readiness in minimizing passenger distress. Chennai Metros prompt response ensured commuter safety despite the inconvenience, reinforcing confidence in emergency preparedness. The event also serves as a reminder for passengers to stay calm and follow instructions during transit disruptions. Metro systems globally continue to invest in technology upgrades and emergency response improvements, aiming to reduce such interruptions and enhance overall commuter experience.

This news emphasizes the significance of continuous monitoring and maintenance to ensure reliable metro services for millions of daily passengers in Chennai. The restored services on the Blue and Green Lines have reassured commuters, but the incident underlines the need for ongoing vigilance and rapid response strategies in urban transport networks.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.