The morning Mettupalayam-Coimbatore MEMU service is too crowded on week days, forcing commuters to travel dangerously.
| Photo Credit: SPL
The travelling public on Saturday conveyed to the Divisional Railway Manager of Salem Division Panna Lal the difficulties they have been facing on a daily basis due to overcrowding in the MEMU services operated between Mettupalayam and Coimbatore railway stations.
Mr. Lal visited the Mettupalayam railway station for an inspection of the on-going works.
The Periyanaickenpalayam Train Passengers’ Association suggested utilisation of the Pollachi-Coimbatore passenger train (operated with Semmozhi Express train coaches) for operating a morning service to Mettupalayam.
After arriving at the Coimbatore Junction railway station at 8.50 a.m., the rakes of Semmozhi Express remain idle till 6 p.m.
The train service could be operated such that it could depart from Mettupalayam at 9.30 a.m.
The Coimbatore-Mettupalayam train that departs at 8.20 am every day is overcrowded to the extent of passengers standing precariously on the steps.
Measures must be taken before any untoward incidents happen, the coordinator of Namma Mettupalayam Social Welfare Organisation, said.
On their part, representatives of CITU submitted a petition to DRM seeking seven MEMU services every day between Mettupalayam and Coimbatore, in view of the continuously increasing rush.
S. Basha, general secretary of Mettupalayam Talukka Pothu Thozhilalar Sangam, submitted a petition that also emphasised on conversion of the express trains operated from Mettupalayam to Tirunelveli and Tuticorin into daily service.
Funds sanctioned for Mettupalayam must be utilised unfailingly, Mr. Basha emphasised.
Published – July 12, 2025 10:13 pm IST
