The new night-time MEMU train service on the Shoranur–Nilambur route will begin on Saturday.

Passengers from Ernakulam and Thrissur travelling towards Nilambur at night can now avail the MEMU service instead of relying solely on the Executive Express.

What is the schedule of the MEMU train?

The train will depart from Shoranur at 8:35 pm and reach Nilambur by 10:05 pm. The return journey will begin at 3:40 am and reach Shoranur by 4:55 am.

People demand schedule change

Passengers and rail user groups have requested that the Shoranur departure time be changed from 8:35 pm to 9:15 pm so that commuters can catch long-distance trains like Vande Bharat Express (Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru) and Executive Express from Alappuzha and Kannur.

They have also suggested rescheduling the Nilambur departure time in the morning so that commuters can catch the 4:30 am Shoranur–Ernakulam–Alappuzha MEMU.

Many passengers rely on the Shoranur–Ernakulam MEMU at that time. If this MEMU leaves at 4:30, then they have to wait until 7:30 to go to Ernakulam. Although there are one or two long-distance trains, they are often late and crowded, making them less useful.

It is reported that the train currently departing from Shoranur at 8:15 pm may be rescheduled to an earlier time. This adjustment is being considered because the next train can only depart after reaching Angadipuram, a crossing station on the route.

Why are passengers demanding more stops?

The new MEMU train currently does not stop at Tuvvur, Thodikappulam and Vadanamkurussi.

Local residents and passenger associations are strongly requesting stops at these stations for better accessibility. Additionally, there is protest against the limited stops at Angadippuram and Vaniyambalam for the return service.

MEMU extension to Nilambur was a result of long-standing public pressure

The decision to extend the MEMU service from Shoranur to Nilambur was not a sudden one. It came after consistent efforts by various passenger organisations and local representatives.

The Nilambur–Mysore Railway Action Council and the Shoranur–Nilambur Passenger Associations had been pushing for improved services on this route for a long time. They raised concerns about limited travel options, especially during early mornings and nights.

Members of Parliament Abdul Wahab and E.T. Mohammed Basheer also supported the demand and took the issue to Parliament. Their joint efforts finally led to the railway authorities approving the extension of the MEMU service to Nilambur, providing much-needed relief to regular passengers in the region.

Public demand to restore midday train services on Nilambur route

While the introduction of night-time MEMU services has been welcomed, regular passengers are now raising concerns about the lack of train services during afternoon hours.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, several trains on the Nilambur route were discontinued, including those operating around noon. As a result, there is currently a gap of almost four hours during which no trains are available, causing major inconvenience to commuters.

To address this issue, railway users have proposed extending the existing Coimbatore–Shoranur MEMU (Train No. 66603) up to Nilambur. According to the proposal, the train can depart from Nilambur at 1:15 pm and reach Coimbatore by 5:35 pm, effectively restoring connectivity during the afternoon hours.

The Nilambur–Mysore Railway Action Council has already submitted this request to Union Minister George Kurian, urging the central government to take immediate action.