Rush in Kannur-Coimbatore MEMU train
Koyilandy: Railways received frequent complaints about the unavailability of ladies compartment on the Kannur- Coimbatore MEMU train. Several women passengers have lodged complaints at railway stations and police stations regarding the misbehaviour they had underwent while travelling in MEMU.
Most of the days, MEMU conducts services with only 8-9 coaches. This adds to the troubles of the passengers. The MEMU trains were deployed instead of the passenger trains which had 14 to 16 coaches. Other complaints such as old coaches being used to conduct services in Tamil Nadu are used for MEMU here, were also raised. Hence, demands to restore passenger trains or increase the number of bogies of MEMU train were raised.
The MEMU train which commences service from Kannur at 6.20 am will reach Koyilandy between 7.30 am and 7.35 am. However, travellers from Koyilandy will have to board the crowded train as it gets full from Vadakara. The train stops at Elathur and West Hill before reaching Kozhikode at 8.02 am. The return service of MEMU arrive at Kozhikode railway station by 6.35 pm. A considerable number of regular passengers rely on the MEMU service daily.
MEMU has only a few seats compared to the other trains. Hence, most of the passengers have to stand and travel. Lavatory facilities are also less in MEMU trains. The rush has further surged after the reopening of schools.