The lines at the station were electrified on 9 January 1965, with the electrification of the Tambaram–Chengalpattu section.[1]
Layout
The station has two platforms. The platforms in the station can presently accommodate only 12-car rakes. In 2012, Southern Railway began renovating the station, including expansion of the platforms to accommodate 12-car rakes.[3] There are two level crossings, namely, LC No. 32 on the northern end and LC No. 33 on the southern end,[4] on either side of the station, a few metres away from the platforms.[5] LC No. 32 comes within Peerkankaranai limits and LC No. 33 comes under the jurisdiction of Perungalathur. So the Railways has decided to build a mini platform to accommodate three coaches without closing either level crossings. This would be in use until both the level crossings are replaced by road over bridges.[6]
Traffic
As of 2012, 84 trains halt at the station and about 10,000 commuters use the station daily.[3]
Per a traffic census conducted in March 2006, LC No. 32 witnessed a traffic flow of 861,000 train vehicle units and LC No. 33 witnessed 743,000 train vehicle units.[4]
Developments
In 2011, a road overbridge was planned to replace LC-32. The ramps of the overbridge would descend on the proposed ₹ 500-million Eastern Bypass project connecting Velachery Main Road at Rajakilpakkam and GST Road near the station. A pedestrian subway was also planned to replace LC-33.[5]
Accidents
As of 2012, an average of at least five people are killed on the track every month at the station.[3]