Coimbatore-Mettupalayam MEMU Train Expansion Faces Unexpected Delay
Commuters relying on the MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) train service between Coimbatore and Mettupalayam will need to exercise patience for a few more days. The anticipated addition of four extra coaches has been postponed due to logistical issues, as the coaches have not yet arrived from the Palakkad maintenance facility.
Railway Announcement Versus Reality
Earlier this month, Southern Railway General Manager R N Singh publicly announced that four additional coaches would be integrated into the MEMU train, with the enhancement scheduled to take effect from February 23. Despite this promise, the train continues to operate with only eight coaches instead of the expected twelve, leaving daily passengers in a state of inconvenience.
A Southern Railway official provided clarification on the situation, stating, "The coaches designated for the MEMU require supply from the Palakkad maintenance facility. There has been a minor delay in the process, but we anticipate the coaches will be supplied within the next four to five days."
Impact on Daily Commuters
The MEMU train operates five daily trips, serving over 5,000 commuters each day. During peak hours, the service becomes particularly crowded, as it is heavily utilized by college students and office-goers traveling from Mettupalayam and its surrounding areas to reach Coimbatore city.
Dr M Jaikumar, President of the Periyanaickenpalayam Train Passengers Association, voiced strong dissatisfaction regarding the delay in acquiring the additional coaches. Jaikumar elaborated, "The 8:20 AM train service from Mettupalayam remains excessively crowded, with approximately 3,000 commuters on board. Among these, nearly 600 to 700 are college students who disembark at North Coimbatore station. Due to the train arriving with an overflow of passengers from Mettupalayam, students and employees at intermediate stations like Karamadai and Periyanaickenpalayam often miss the train entirely."
Longstanding Demand for Improvement
Jaikumar highlighted that the demand for additional coaches has been a persistent issue for over three years. "In 2023, during a similar scenario, a railway official assured that four coaches would be added within a month. However, three years later, the train is still running with only eight coaches," he remarked, underscoring the prolonged nature of the problem.
The delay not only affects daily travel but also raises concerns about passenger safety and comfort, especially during peak travel times. Commuters are now eagerly awaiting the arrival of the coaches from Palakkad, hoping for a swift resolution to alleviate the overcrowding and improve their commuting experience.
