Will the Railways show the green light for a brand new MEMU?

Kottayam: The authorities continue their apathy towards the passengers’ demand for allowing a new MEMU service even as the Thiruvananthapuram – Shoranur Venad Express speeds through the brand-new rail track. The demand for a MEMU, in the Kottayam route, between the Thirunelveli – Palakkad Palaruvi Express in the morning and the Venad Express has been a long pending one. As per a report prepared by the railway, Kayamkulam – Ernakulam route is the busiest in the mornings. Passengers have been demanding a MEMU in the Kayamkulam – Ernakulam or Kollam – Ernakulam routes for some time.

Meanwhile, the MEMU would also be beneficial for a group of passengers who suffer difficulties as the Venad Express continue its journey via Ernakulam Town (North) station without entering the Ernakulam Junction (South) station. Besides, the passengers in the Kottayam – Ernakulam route in the morning could use the MEMU service. Currently, Palaruvi and Venad Express trains are crowded, especially in the morning. Venad Express reaches the stations around 1.5 hours after Palaruvi Express leaves. So, adding a MEMU service in between these trains wouldn’t be a problem. Moreover, it wouldn’t affect the schedule of other services as there is double tracks.

Connection Venad
Interestingly, Venad Express has become a connecting train between two services, Thrissur – Guruvayoor Passenger at Thrissur and Chennai Egmore – Mangaluru train at Shoranur, ever since it began running as per the latest schedule by avoiding the South station. The Passenger train leaves Thrissur at 11.35 am. Meanwhile, Venad reaches Thrissur at 11.20 am. As per the new schedule, Venad reaches Shornur at 12.25 pm. The Chennai Egmore – Mangaluru Express departs at 12.35 pm from Shoranur. The passenger who reaches here in Venad can easily travel to Northern Kerala on the Chennai Egmore – Mangaluru Express.