Kottayam: To the delight of hundreds of daily rail commuters, the Railways has allowed a special MEMU train on the Kottayam route. The Kollam–Ernakulam (via Kottayam) special MEMU (06169) service will be operated from October 7 to January 3, 2025.
The eight-car MEMU will run on this route daily, except Saturdays and Sundays. It will start from Kollam at 6.15 am and reach Ernakulam Junction (south) at 9.35 am. The return service will begin at 9.50 am and reach Kollam by 1.30 pm.
Kodikunnil Suresh MP said the Kollam–Ernakulam MEMU service could be converted into the Punalur–Ernakulam service once the Railway Board allows a new MEMU rake. Until then, it will be operated using eight cars.
Stations and other details
The MEMU will have stops at Sasthamkotta, Karunagappally, Kayamkulam Junction, Mavelikkara, Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Changanassery, Kottayam, Ettumanur, Kuruppanthara, Vaikom Road, Piravom Road, Mulanthuruthy and Tripunithura. As per reports, the expansion of the MEMU shed in Kollam is also under consideration, as there isn't enough infrastructure for additional MEMU trains now. An additional coach is also allotted to Venad Express to help accommodate more passengers. Though a special arrangement, it is expected to continue for quite a while.