About 500 train passengers stranded in Tamil Nadu due to floods

About 500 passengers of the Tiruchendur-Chennai Express remained stranded at a railway station in Thoothukudi district since December 17 night after the tracks developed cracks due to heavy rains in southern Tamil Nadu. 

The train was stopped at the Srivaikundam railway station at about 9 pm on December 17, according to passengers who alleged that authorities didn’t bother to provide them food or make alternate arrangements. They said the train has about 800 passengers and were travelling to various parts of Tamil Nadu, especially Chennai. 

Tiruchendur-Chennai Express is the only direct train that connects the temple town with the state capital. The train was stopped at the station on account of the suspension of traffic between Srivaikundam and Seydunganallur. 

“We have sought refuge at the over bridge at the railway station. The train has a lot of children and elderly who need food and milk. But no help has come to us so far. It is the villagers who helped us on Monday morning,” a passenger said. 

After the video of passengers seeking help went viral, the Tamil Nadu government stepped in to help them. Transport Secretary K Phanindra Reddy said food is being airdropped for passengers stranded at Srivaikundam station. 

“Rescue is hindered by the flood waters. Action is being taken to send the rescue team,” he said.

In a statement, the Southern Railway said around 300 stranded passengers from the station were shifted to nearby government school but further transportation of about 500 stranded passengers was not possible due to overflowing of bridges en-route.

“Southern Railway has reached out to both NDRF and State government officials to extend maximum assistance in the evacuation of these passengers. Supply of food and water to all the stranded passengers remains the top priority now. Food packets have been supplied to 200 passengers in the school by the state police,” the statement said. 

A helicopter carrying 2 tonnes of relief materials left Sulur air base but could not make the drop due to adverse weather conditions and poor light and has now moved to Madurai. “The helicopter will make its drop tomorrow morning at daybreak,” the statement added. 

It also said the Southern Railway is mobilising adequate road vehicles for evacuation of these passengers by Tuesday morning to the nearest railway station from where they will be taken by a convenient special train to Chennai.