Kannur: For the past three years, the Railway has not allocated Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) services for short-distance travel in Kerala, leading to overcrowding on existing routes. The passengers argue that the introduction of three-phase MEMUs could provide a more comfortable travel option for more passengers.

Currently, 12 MEMU trains operate in Kerala, out of which eight of these are out of service once a day a week for repairs. This situation has arisen due to a shortage of new MEMU coaches being manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory, which was intended to replace older models. 

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In terms of commuter numbers, Kerala has the fewest MEMU trains compared to other regions, with only 10 of them being fully operational. Additionally, the MEMU service between Kannur and Mangaluru (132 km) is currently not in operation.

In Kerala, there are 12 rakes (coaches) available for five trains, with eight coaches for the other five. A three-phase MEMU rake can accommodate around 3,600 passengers, including both seated and standing.