MP for Dakshina Kannada Capt. Brijesh Chowta has urged the Ministry of Railways to replace the existing conventional rake operating the Mangaluru Central-Subrahmanya Road (SBHR) passenger train service with a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) rake.

In a recent letter to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Capt. Chowta thanked the Ministry for heeding his plea to extend two round trips of the passenger train service from Kabaka Puttur to SBHR a year ago. Thus, the service now operates on three round trips between Mangaluru and SBHR.

Capt. Chowta told the Minister that the extended services are now running smoothly and have become popular among pilgrims visiting Kukke Subrahmanya, students, daily commuters, farmers, and tourists. This has significantly improved affordable connectivity and boosted local businesses and tourism in Dakshina Kannada, he said.

However, the MP said the existing Integral Coach Factory (ICF) coaches of Train Nos. 56625/26, 56627/28 and 56629/30 are ageing, overcrowded and lack basic amenities despite the route being fully electrified. This has been causing severe inconvenience to passengers.

“In view of the proven success of the extension and very high public demand, I request you to kindly replace the conventional rake of this service with a MEMU rake,” he said. The MP also demanded the introduction of additional MEMU services on the Mangaluru-SBHR section.

Capt. Chowta said MEMU trains would provide greater seating capacity, improved comfort, punctuality, eco-friendly operation and better connectivity for pilgrims.

While the extension of the services to SBHR is a landmark step in fulfilling a long-pending aspiration of the region, upgrading the services to MEMU operations is the next logical step to meet growing passenger needs. He urged Mr. Vaishnaw to direct the zones concerned to immediately deploy a MEMU rake for the services.