Kannur: Kerala is set to receive more Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train services as part of Southern Railway’s latest operational push. The move follows an internal directive to gather data on the number of loco pilots trained to operate MEMUs across divisions.

According to the figures, 64 personnel from various depots in the Palakkad division and 76 in the Thiruvananthapuram division have now been trained to operate MEMU trains. Based on these numbers, Southern Railway will allocate MEMU rakes and routes proportionally across the divisions. A proposal is also under consideration to replace certain existing passenger trains with MEMU services.

The expansion of MEMU maintenance sheds in Palakkad and Kollam has further aided this transition, improving the region's readiness for more frequent MEMU operations.

MEMU trains are operated by a single loco pilot and feature a different locomotive structure compared to conventional trains. Drivers currently operating passenger or freight trains undergo a one-month specialised MEMU training programme in Chennai. At present, two loco pilots from the Thiruvananthapuram division are undergoing this training.

Despite these developments, Kerala has not received any new three-phase MEMU rakes in recent years. Notably, no MEMU trains currently operate on the 132 km Kannur–Mangaluru section. A MEMU rake from the Thiruvananthapuram division, previously sent for the Kumbh Mela, is presently stationed in Chennai for annual maintenance.

Many of Kerala’s passenger trains continue to use traditional ICF (Integral Coach Factory) coaches, which are no longer in production. As a result, when these coaches are sent for maintenance, there are no available replacements, often leading to the reduction of coaches on services. There are currently 16 passenger services running along the Shoranur–Mangaluru section alone. MPs have raised the shortage issue in meetings with the General Manager of Southern Railway.

MEMU operations in Kerala

At present, a total of 12 MEMU services operate in Kerala. Eight of these trains remain non-operational one day a week for maintenance purposes. Only seven MEMU trains currently run with a full set of 12 coaches, while nine operate with just eight coaches. Upgrading the shorter rakes to 12 coaches would significantly increase passenger capacity -- from 614 seats to 921.

One pressing challenge is the absence of backup rakes. In case of a breakdown, services are disrupted as no replacement rakes are available.

Seating and capacity

Three-Phase MEMU (12 coaches): 921 seats, 2,682 standing — Total capacity: 3,603

Three-Phase MEMU (8 coaches): 614 seats, 1,798 standing — Total capacity: 2,402

Traditional MEMU (12 coaches): 915 seats, 1,719 standing — Total capacity: 2,634

Traditional MEMU (8 coaches): 610 seats, 1,146 standing — Total capacity: 1,756