Kochi: In a major relief for daily commuters, Southern Railway has announced the capacity augmentation of the high-demand Ernakulam–Palakkad Memu (mainline electric multiple unit) service, starting this Wednesday. Simultaneously, the railway has restored the Palaruvi Express to its original 18-coach composition, addressing commuter grievances over a recent reduction of two coaches.
Capacity Upgrade Details
As per a directive from the chief passenger transportation manager (CPTM) of Southern Railway, the standard 8-car MEMU rakes on the Palakkad–Ernakulam–Pollachi corridor are being upgraded to 12-car rakes. The upgrade covers Train Nos. 66609 (Palakkad–Ernakulam), 66610 (Ernakulam–Palakkad), 66623 (Palakkad–Pollachi), and 66624 (Pollachi–Palakkad).
Officials said that the 12-car rakes, comprising fresh coaches, have successfully passed their initial commissioning operation (ICO) inspection. After scheduled maintenance at the Palakkad Memu shed on Tuesday, the upgraded rake will enter regular service.
Commuter Feedback
“The peak-hour train connecting Pollachi to Ernakulam routinely runs packed with office-goers and patients heading to medical centres in Ernakulam. While the capacity boost is welcome, we continue to demand the conversion of all regional passenger services into full 16-coach Memu trains,” said P. Krishnakumar, member of the divisional railway users consultative committee.
Service Timings
- Train No. 66609 (Palakkad Jn to Ernakulam Jn): Departs 7:20 am, arrives 11:15 am, daily except Tuesdays.
- Train No. 66610 (Ernakulam Jn to Palakkad Jn): Departs 2:45 pm, arrives 6:35 pm, daily.
- Train No. 66623 (Palakkad to Pollachi): Departs 7:00 pm, arrives 9:10 pm, daily.
- Train No. 66624 (Pollachi to Palakkad): Departs 5:15 am, arrives 7:10 am, except Mondays and Tuesdays.
Long-Term Plans and Challenges
Southern Railway has a long-term policy to replace conventional passenger rakes with modern MEMUs. However, a senior official noted that rake shortages have slowed progress, partly because Chennai’s Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has shifted much of its production capacity toward Vande Bharat trains.
Memu coaches offer higher passenger capacity, open interiors, and faster acceleration. “We remain committed to converting the remaining conventional trains as new rakes are delivered,” the official added.
