Kerala commuters push for extra coaches and MEMU services amid train crowding

Every morning, a sea of commuters pours onto the platforms of Kollam, Ernakulam and other towns, only to find themselves squeezed shoulder‑to‑shoulder in cramped coaches. The sight has become all too familiar across Kerala, prompting passenger organisations to raise their voices once again – this time calling for extra coaches and a spate of new MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) services.

What’s driving the surge? A combination of factors, the most visible being the ongoing six‑lane expansion of National Highway‑66. As the highway is widened in patches, traffic snarls and bottlenecks have mushroomed near construction sites, nudging many regular bus‑riders and private‑car owners onto the rails. Add to that the regular hikes in bus ticket prices and soaring fuel costs, and the railways suddenly look like the cheaper, more reliable alternative.

“We’re seeing a steady stream of people abandoning the highway for trains,” says Liyons J., general secretary of the passenger lobby Friends on Rails. “The problem isn’t just a few crowded cars – it’s a systemic overload on short‑distance and inter‑city services.”

Official estimates suggest the six‑lane upgrade of the 640‑km Thiruvananthapuram‑Kasaragod stretch won’t be finished until 2028. Even then, a 17‑km bypass at Aroor‑Edappally remains untouched, leaving a lingering choke point that continues to divert traffic onto the rails.

In practical terms, the demand translates into two clear asks. First, existing MEMU trains should be lengthened with additional coaches wherever possible. Second, entirely new MEMU services should be slotted into the timetable during the generous hour‑long gaps that currently sit idle between major trains. For example, a MEMU could run between Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram in the hour separating the Vanchinad Express and the Chennai Mail each morning. Likewise, an evening MEMU from Ernakulam to Kollam could cater to the overflow after the Parasuram Express reaches its destination.

Local rail user groups, including the Thrissur Railway Passengers’ Association, echo these sentiments, emphasizing that the current “over‑crowding is not a temporary glitch but a persistent reality.” They argue that a proactive approach now would prevent a worsening scenario as more highways get upgraded and road travel becomes increasingly unpredictable.

Railway officials, while acknowledging the pressure, point out the logistical challenges of procuring additional rolling stock and adjusting timetables. Still, they have signaled a willingness to study the proposals, noting that a phased increase in MEMU frequency could be feasible without massive infrastructure overhauls.

For the everyday commuter, the stakes are simple: a seat, a bit of breathing space, and perhaps a quieter ride home after a long day. As the dialogue between passenger bodies and the railways continues, many hope that the clamor in Kerala will soon translate into concrete coach additions and a smoother, less cramped railway experience.