Kerala seeks more coaches and MEMU trains to tackle overcrowding

Passenger organisations across Kerala have intensified calls for enhanced rail infrastructure, citing persistent overcrowding on short-distance and inter-city express services. The groups are urging Indian Railways to add more coaches to existing trains and expand MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) services to accommodate rising demand on popular regional routes.

Railway sources attribute the surge in passenger traffic to multiple factors. The ongoing widening work on National Highway-66 has disrupted road transport, forcing commuters to seek alternative travel options. Additionally, successive fare hikes for bus services and climbing fuel prices have made rail travel an increasingly attractive choice for price-conscious passengers across income groups.

The overcrowding on trains has become a significant concern during peak hours, with commuters reporting uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe conditions. Passenger groups argue that timely expansion of rolling stock and service frequency is essential to manage the mounting pressure on existing infrastructure and ensure better travel experience.

Indian Railways has not issued an official statement responding to the demands, though the growing passenger base offers a compelling case for capacity enhancement on Kerala's busy rail corridors. Transport analysts suggest that coordinated infrastructure investment could ease congestion while supporting the state's broader mobility needs during this period of road network transitions.