In a significant boost to suburban rail infrastructure in Tamil Nadu, the Southern Railway has achieved a major milestone in constructing a dedicated maintenance facility for Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) trains in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). The project, located at Manjathidal, is now approximately 80% complete, with officials targeting full operational readiness by March 2026.
A First for Trichy Division
This upcoming maintenance shed marks a first for the Trichy railway division and stands as the only such facility for MEMU trains in Tamil Nadu outside of Chennai. Built on a sprawling 85,000 square meters of land adjacent to the historic Ponmalai workshop, the Rs 61 crore project is designed to revolutionize the maintenance and operation of energy-efficient MEMU rakes in the region.
The comprehensive facility will not just be a maintenance shed. It is planned to house an administrative building and modern tool shops dedicated to the structural, electrical, and mechanical upkeep of MEMU trains. As of December, about 80% of the work on the crucial pit lines—used for detailed undercarriage inspections—is finished. The administrative building is even more advanced, with close to 85% of its construction completed.
Transforming Commuter Travel and Maintenance
The primary impact of this facility will be a substantial increase in MEMU train operations. MEMU trains are known for their higher passenger capacity, faster speeds compared to diesel units, and features like regenerative braking that save energy. A senior railway official highlighted the project's broader benefits, stating, "We plan to finish by March 2026. At least 36 train services currently running as DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) in the division can be gradually upgraded to MEMU."
This shift is not just about better service; it aligns with environmental goals by replacing diesel-powered trains with electric ones. The official added that the new maintenance hub will be instrumental in this upgrade process.
Currently, all major maintenance for MEMU rakes serving the Trichy division must be conducted in Chennai. The Manjathidal shed will end this dependency, ensuring prompt periodical and emergency maintenance readiness locally. This is expected to significantly improve the allocation and reliability of MEMU rakes for the division.
Project Specifications and Current Status
The shed is being built to simultaneously accommodate four 12-car MEMU rakes for maintenance. It will feature two pit lines, each 390 meters long. Work is actively progressing on linking the new shed with the existing Ponmalai workshop, and construction of compound walls is slated to begin shortly.
MEMU trains offer several advantages over older commuter trains:
- Energy Efficiency: Equipped with regenerative braking systems that feed power back into the grid.
- Enhanced Comfort: Feature comfortable seating, higher passenger capacity, and modern sliding doors.
- Sanitation: Fitted with bio-toilets for improved hygiene.
Key MEMU services operating from Trichy include the Trichy-Villupuram, Trichy-Mayiladuthurai, and Mayiladuthurai-Salem routes. The new facility is poised to support the expansion and efficiency of these and future services.
The completion of the Manjathidal MEMU shed by 2026 promises to be a game-changer for suburban rail connectivity in central Tamil Nadu, offering faster, greener, and more reliable commutes for thousands of daily passengers.
