In a significant boost to suburban rail infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, Southern Railway is on the verge of completing a major maintenance facility in Trichy. The construction of the first-ever Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) maintenance shed within the Trichy railway division has crossed the crucial 80% mark, with officials targeting full operational readiness by March 2026.
A Strategic Facility for Modern Commuting
Located at Manjathidal, adjacent to the historic Ponmalai workshop, this Rs 61 crore project is a game-changer. Spread across a vast 85,000 square meters of land, it is the only MEMU maintenance shed in the state outside Chennai. The facility is designed to simultaneously service four 12-car MEMU rakes, ensuring efficient turnaround and upkeep for these high-capacity, high-speed trains that are pivotal for suburban connectivity.
The project encompasses much more than just a shed. It includes a dedicated administrative building, modern tool shops for structural, electrical, and mechanical maintenance, and specialized pit lines for detailed inspections. As of December, 80% of the work on the pit lines and a remarkable 85% of the administrative building have been finished. Work is actively progressing to link the new shed with the existing Ponmalai workshop, and construction of compound walls will commence shortly.
Driving Operational and Environmental Goals
The advent of this facility is set to trigger a substantial upgrade in Trichy division's rolling stock. A senior railway official highlighted that the shed will be instrumental in converting at least 36 existing Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) services into MEMU trains. This phased transition will not only enhance passenger comfort and capacity but also significantly advance the railways' environmental objectives by reducing diesel dependency.
"We are planning to complete the project by March 2026. The upcoming maintenance facility will come in handy and support in accomplishing our environmental goals," the official stated. Currently, all comprehensive maintenance for MEMU rakes in the region is conducted in Chennai, leading to logistical challenges and downtime.
Key Features and Immediate Benefits
The new Manjathidal shed will ensure periodical and emergency maintenance readiness locally, which is expected to greatly improve the allocation of MEMU rakes to the Trichy division. This will lead to more frequent and reliable services on key routes.
The MEMU trains themselves are equipped with modern amenities designed for the Indian commuter:
- Energy-efficient systems with regenerative braking that saves power.
- Higher passenger capacity with comfortable seating and sliding doors for safety.
- Bio-toilets for onboard sanitation.
These trains currently operate on several important sections within the division, including:
- Trichy - Villupuram
- Trichy - Mayiladuthurai
- Mayiladuthurai - Salem
The two new pit lines, each 390 meters long, will form the backbone of the inspection process. With the project firmly on track, Trichy is poised to become a central hub for modern, electric suburban rail travel in Southern Tamil Nadu, promising a faster, greener, and more comfortable commute for thousands of daily passengers.
