KOCHI: Though the Railway Budget for 2012-2013 came as a dampener for the state, short-distance passengers in the Ernakulam-Kollam sector have a reason to rejoice. The much-awaited Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit (MEMU) service, which was supposed to hit the tracks two years ago and had been promised in the last two budgets, is all set to chug off on March 18.According to Railway officials, the MEMU services are being introduced to provide relief to the thousands of short-distance passengers in Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha and Kollam districts. “The timetable for the MEMU services has been finalised and services will not be delayed any more,” an official said. As per the plan, two MEMU rakes will be utilised for the purpose. One rake has already been stationed at the Ernakulam Junction station since Wednesday morning, a surprise gift to passengers on the day of the Railway Budget.The decision has been welcomed by railway passengers’ associations, and is being viewed as a big relief for short-distance passengers. “Short-distance passengers have always been a neglected lot. They are forced to board long- distance trains even during peak hours. For the first time, the Railways has shown concern for these passengers. Hopefully, this will prove to be a good start, and more services will follow,” said Mathew Paul, general secretary, All-Kerala Railway Passengers Association.Just what is it about the MEMU service that makes it an option to be considered every time a Railway budget is presented? The MEMU train, with its eight-rake feature, provides faster and smoother services for the short-distance passenger. Also, the acceleration rate and the braking speed of the train is comparatively higher, which in effect saves a lot of time between stations. “The carrying capacity and the speed of the MEMU train is 1.5 times faster than the regular passenger train. This will enable passengers to reach their respective stations in much lesser time,” a Railways official explained.Also, the MEMU trains have loco-pilot cabins at both ends of the train, which is an added advantage. “There would be no need to change the position of the train at different stations,” the official explained.Electricity Minister Aryadan Muhammad, who has the additional charge of Railways, will flag off the trains on March 18.
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