Chennai, Apr 19 (Reporter) Southern Railway on Saturday launched the first Air-Conditioned EMU (AC EMU) services marking a new milestone in Chennai suburban rail travel. The services were without much fanfare and only senior Southern Railway officials were present. The AC EMU service came as a boon as it offered the much needed respite from the sweltering heat the city and its suburbs and other North and North Interior districts are facing over the last few weeks, with the mercury level shooting up past 100 Deg F, with the high humidity level compounding the people's woes. "Feels like 46 deg C outside, but 27 deg C inside was the reaction of the commuters who said the AC EMU has made travel much comfortable. Southern Railway officials said a total of six services (three in each direction) will be operated between Chennai Beach-Chengalpattu (4 services) and Chennai Beach-Tambaram (2 services) for six days a week except Sundays, ensuring enhanced comfort and pleasant journey experience for suburban commuters. Fares are competitively priced, with a minimum of Rs 35 for distances up to 10 km, and a maximum of Rs.105 for distances in 56-60 km range (from Chennai to Chengalpattu). The state-of-the-art 12-car AC EMUs, manufactured by Integral Coach Factory, are equipped with several modern features that offer metro-like comfort with a higher carrying capacity of around 5000 passengers. Key features include fully air-conditioned coaches, automatic sliding doors, sealed gangways for uninterrupted movement, stainless steel seating, panoramic wide glass windows, aesthetic lighting, GPS-based LED displays, CCTV surveillance, and a passenger talk-back system for emergencies. The train also features energy-efficient regenerative Electro Pneumatic brakes that can save up to 35% of electrical energy and air spring suspension for superior riding comfort. These AC EMU services will greatly benefit daily commuters, particularly office goers, women commuters and students, offering a comfortable, safe, and efficient mode of travel. The launch mirrors the successful deployment of AC EMUs in the Mumbai suburban system and reflects Southern Railway’s commitment to providing world-class travel experiences to its suburban passengers. Only passengers with valid AC EMU tickets or AC EMU season tickets are allowed to board and travel in these trains. Passengers holding ordinary second class or first class season tickets are not permitted to travel in AC EMU services, as these services operate under a distinct fare structure, a Railway release said. (ED : PICK UP SUITABLY FROM EARLIER SERIES)...////...