The operation of the much-awaited diesel electric multiple unit (DEMU) train that was slated to connect Ernakulam with neighbouring districts might be confined to the 6-km-long Ernakulam Junction-Cochin Harbour Terminus corridor, unless the Southern Railway announces an extended route and augments coaches.
The Railway had on Thursday announced that a refurbished, three-coach DEMU rake had been readied at its locomotive workshop at Perambur, Chennai. They comprise three 20-year old, 700-HP diesel electric multiple units. The first DEMU service in Kerala would thus kick off in the route shortly, said Railway officials.
MEMU patronage
The half-a-dozen mainline electric multiple unit (MEMU) trains that operate in Kerala enjoy sound patronage. Both MEMU and DEMU trains accelerate and decelerate faster than conventional trains and have better seating.
Speaking about the development, Shirish Kumar Sinha, Divisional Railway Manager, Thiruvananthapuram, confirmed that the DEMU train was slated for operation between the two adjacent stations. “The frequency of operation and timetable are yet to be finalised. Any extension of the service has to be decided by the Southern Railway. More coaches can be added depending on the need,” he said.
The net effect of introducing the DEMU service will be that commuters who land in Ernakulam Junction will be able to avail the service and reach Willingdon Island. “This will in turn increase congestion at Ernakulam Junction station, especially during peak hours,” said Railway sources.
Huge demand
The best option is to augment coaches and operate the service from either Ernakulam Junction or Ernakulam Town stations to neighbouring districts, where there is whopping demand from commuters. Else, a DEMU with at least eight coaches must be substituted for a conventional inter-district passenger train that is currently in operation. “This will lessen commuting time as well, since DEMU stops and picks up speed fast,” they added.
The Thrissur Railway Passengers’ Assocation has demanded that the DEMU be introduced as a new train from Ernakulam to neighbouring districts during peak hours. “The huge waiting period of trains calling at Ernakulam Junction station at the track and in stations in the suburbs can be considerably lessened if trains that rely on diesel locomotives and terminate at the station are diverted to Cochin Harbour Terminus station,” said P. Krishnakumar, general secretary.
