Track doubling, more MEMUs on the wishlist
Rail passenger associations have demanded doubling of track in the Ernakulam-Kayamkulam sector through Kottayam and Alappuzha on a war footing. The demand comes against the backdrop of the scheduled meeting of Kerala MPs and Union Railway Minister Sadananda Gowda on Thursday.
This is critical to speed up trains that are often detained at different points in the sector for other trains to cross single-tracks, and also to introduce more trains, said Thrissur Railway Passengers’ Association (TRPA) and All Kerala Railway Users’ Association (AKRUA), in a press release.
Another demand is to electrify the Shornur-Mangalore sector. “We are also awaiting the approval to introduce automatic-signalling system in place of the existing absolute block system in Kerala. Augmenting terminal facilities for handling and maintaining coaches is urgently needed at Kochuveli Terminus. Construction of coaching terminals at Nemom and Kottayam and more pit lines and stabling lines at appropriate locations is another demand,” said P. Krishnakumar, general secretary of TRPA.
Former MP, P.C. Chacko was among the MP’s who took up these issues in the last Lok Sabha. With development moving at fast pace in Kerala, commuter traffic throughout the State is increasing. To offer seamless transport to the commuters, more MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) trains and dedicated tracks for them have become essential. Augmenting number of MEMUs is important since many express trains are being converted to superfast express trains after withdrawing many stops, Mr Krishnakumar said.
The association has also demanded MEMUs at frequent intervals during peak hours in the already doubled and electrified Coimbatore-Ernakulam, Shornur-Ernakulam, Guruvayur-Ernakulam and Kayamkulam-Thiruvananthapuram sectors, to provide fast and economical commuting and to decongest narrow, accident-prone national highways.
It has also demanded an intercity express between Ernakulam and Salem, through Coimbatore. Yet another demand is to extend train no. 12133/12134 Mumbai CST-Mangalore Junction Express up to Ernakulam or Shornur. Since passenger patronage for Duronto Express trains to and from Kerala is not satisfactory, the body has suggested that Durontos may be converted to superfast express trains. Much more passengers will benefit, while generating more revenue for Railways.
The AKRUA has demanded that all MEMU trains operate all days of the week, instead of the present six. It has also demanded more compartments to express and weekly trains, many of which now operate with 15 or 16 coaches. Another long-pending demand is to extend train no. 56389 Ernakulam-Kottayam passenger train to Kollam.
(The Hindu dt 13-8-2014)
(The Hindu dt 12-8-2014)
(Madhyamam dt 6-8-2014)
(Malayala Manorama dt 6-8-2014)
(Malayala Manorama dt 5-8-2014)
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