Kochi: Southern Railway has expedited steps in connection with the change of all passenger trains operating under Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division into Mainline Electric Multiple Units (MEMU). It is expected that, once this change is implemented, the miseries of daily passengers will be reduced to a great extent. As of now, commuters have been enduring tormenting hours during their daily trips.

Since the work in connection with National Highway expansion has been ongoing, many passengers who previously depended on buses have turned to trains to escape the traffic blocks on the roads. The Railways recently conducted a survey regarding the unprecedented increase in the number of passengers on trains. Currently, 20 passenger trains are operating in the state. The Thiruvananthapuram Railway Division had announced the decision to change the passenger train services to MEMU as early as 2019 itself.

The Railways has initiated steps in connection with the expansion of the MEMU shed in Kollam district, which is the only maintenance center under the Thiruvananthapuram Division. A contract is already in force regarding this. According to the Railways, the Olavakkode MEMU yard under Palakkad Railway Division also has a maintenance shed for MEMU.

MEMU has traction motor units at both ends instead of a separate engine. Therefore, there will be no delay in bringing the engine and checking it on the return journey. MEMU can gain speed without delay and also can halt at stations without much delay and technical issues. It is widely said that the rush in the trains in Kerala is comparable to that of the rush in suburban trains of big cities like Mumbai. The  MEMU operates on suburban lines in cities like Mumbai, whereas here it would be operated on main lines.