Odisha’s first MEMU train chugs off from Berhampur

Berhampur: The East Coast Railway (ECoR) today kick-started its first Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train in Odisha between Berhampur and Cuttack.

The specially designed train will replace and run as per the schedule of Berhampur-Cuttack-Berhampur Fast Passenger.

The MEMU will run six days a week. It will depart from Berhampur at 7.30 am and reach Cuttack at 11.30 am.

On Saturday, the train will run as Berhampur-Khurda Road MEMU Special from Berhampur to Khurda Road at 9.30 pm. On Sunday, it will run from Khurda Road to Berhampur at 11.45 pm, informed railway sources.

The 12-coach train each carrying a capacity of 110 passengers will be helpful in solving traffic issues.

The advantage of accelerating and decelerating faster in this train will help solve passenger rush in sub-urban areas.  Since the train has engines in the middle and drive cabins at both ends, less time will be consumed in engine reversal. This apart, the train has ample space for standing passengers and better toilet facilities.

MEMU trains are specially designed with motors beneath the passenger cars which are self-propelling unlike the regular trains where a locomotive hauls the coaches.

Sources said railway zone has planned to introduce similar trains in other sections in coming days.