Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Dec 26: In a major boost for rail commuters in Karnataka, the South Western Railway is set to introduce 10 new MEMU (Mainline Electric Multiple Unit) trains as a New Year gift. The development follows discussions between Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, along with state ministers and Members of Parliament.

The Railway Department has taken a significant decision to expand MEMU services, a long-pending demand, which is expected to greatly benefit passengers in North Karnataka and the Old Mysuru region. More than just an expansion of train services, the move is seen as a lifeline for people in smaller towns and semi-urban areas who depend on affordable and frequent rail connectivity.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi recently met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and held detailed discussions on rail-related issues affecting the region. During the meeting, Joshi highlighted the lack of halts for express trains at smaller stations and urged the Centre to introduce at least 10 new MEMU trains to cater to local commuters.

Responding positively, the Railway Ministry has already sanctioned three MEMU trains and assured that the remaining services will be introduced in a phased manner soon. Officials believe this initiative will bring a significant transformation to the region’s transport network.

Proposed MEMU routes

The new MEMU services are planned on the following 14 routes:
• Hubballi – Gadag – Hubballi
• Hubballi – Dandeli – Hubballi
• Hubballi – Vijayapura – Hubballi
• Hubballi – Davanagere – Hubballi
• Hubballi – Ballari – Hubballi
• Hosapete – Davanagere – Hosapete
• Bagalkot – Lokapur – Bagalkot
• Hubballi – Sindhanur – Hubballi
• Bengaluru – Chamarajanagar – Bengaluru
• Hubballi – Chitradurga – Hubballi
• Ballari – Doddahalli – Ballari
• Birur – Talaguppa – Birur
• Belagavi – Miraj – Belagavi
• Vijayapura – Solapur – Vijayapura

Connectivity boost for 15 districts

With MEMU trains running on these routes, as many as 15 districts are expected to benefit. These include Dharwad, Vijayapura, Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, Chamarajanagar, Ballari, Bengaluru, Bagalkot, Vijayanagara, Uttara Kannada, Gadag, Raichur, Chitradurga, Shivamogga and surrounding regions.

Big relief for small-town commuters

The Railway Ministry is also considering renaming MEMU and DEMU services to make them more passenger-friendly. Since the technical names are often confusing for the general public, these trains are likely to be branded as Intercity Express services, making them easier to identify and more appealing to everyday commuters.

A key advantage of MEMU trains is their frequent halts at small railway stations such as Hebsur, Annigeri, Hulakoti and Alnavar, where express trains usually do not stop. This will be a major relief for farmers, small traders, students and daily wage workers who rely on rail transport for their livelihood.

While express trains will continue to focus on faster long-distance travel with limited stops, MEMU services will strengthen local connectivity, ensuring smoother and more accessible travel for short and medium distances.

What are MEMU trains?

MEMU trains are designed to operate efficiently on routes ranging from 80 km to 200 km. Depending on passenger demand, they can be configured with 4, 8, 12 or up to 16 coaches. These trains are equipped with engines at both ends, enabling push-pull technology that eliminates the need for reversing at terminals, saving time and improving operational efficiency.

With this initiative, the Railways aims to bridge the connectivity gap between major cities and smaller towns, offering reliable, affordable and frequent travel options across Karnataka.