Thrissur: When Passenger trains are replaced with MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit), about 500 coaches will have to be dismantled in Kerala. The coaches to be scrapped are kept at Ernakulam harbour terminals and Kollam at present.

Tender procedure for the process has not been completed. Parts like wheels which can be reused will be kept aside before dismantling the coach. As per reports, there are 300 coaches to be scrapped in Thiruvananthapuram division and 200 in Palakkad division.

It is yet to decide if the coaches will be scrapped after shifting to coach manufacturing factories or making a scrap yard in the state. There are also plans to dismantle the coaches in the recycling units to be made close to the seaports.

The Railway had evaluated that old coaches require more maintenance works and this cause huge financial liabilities. As more fund had to be spent on Passenger trains which earn less income, the Railway decided to switch to MEMU trains.

The Railways had made it clear before COVID outbreak that Passenger trains will be completed replaced with MEMU. Coach factories have stopped production of old style coaches. Now they are manufacturing modern LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches and MEMU only.

Advantages of MEMU

MEMU needs only one loco pilot.

No need of engine shunting as MEMU has engine on both ends. This can save upto 20 minutes.

More passengers can be included in coaches.

The time to gain speed after starting will be reduced.