Land dispute halts MEMU train shed expansion in Kollam

Thiruvananthapuram: A land dispute between Kollam Corporation and the railways has stalled the extension of the mainline electric multiple unit (MEMU) train maintenance shed in Kollam. The railways assert that the land in question, located near the railway station, is its and vital for expanding the existing MEMU shed. In contrast, the corporation claims the land cannot be used for the extension, citing the presence of a park. However, the area is currently filled with debris and tree waste.
Work on the shed has been halted after the corporation councillors and the mayor protested against the project. The maintenance shed is critical for enhancing MEMU services, including converting eight-car MEMU trains to 16-car configurations, particularly on the busy Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam route. Funds had already been sanctioned, and the work was initially expected to be completed soon.
A railway official stated that the work could not progress beyond the laying of the foundation. "It is an extension of the railway land, and it is not the local body's land. The corporation says there was a park in the area. But they have not shown any document to substantiate their claim," he added.
The proposal to extend the shed was swiftly approved and funded because no land acquisition was needed.
"The shed is crucial for increasing the number of MEMU trains. The railways has also announced that all passenger train services will be converted into MEMU trains, which have more capacity and speed. There is also a move to increase the number of coaches from eight to 16. This can be done only if a train maintenance facility is available," the official said.
Currently, MEMU services between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam rely on a layover rake, which creates operational delays. If the first MEMU service is delayed, subsequent services using the same rake will be delayed. This can lead to disruptions lasting a few days, which is a major inconvenience for commuters traveling for work or education, the railway official added. Railway authorities are
Presently, Kerala has only two MEMU maintenance sheds, one in Kollam and the other in Palghat. While plans to extend the Palghat shed are underway, it remains in the tender stage, and a contractor has yet to be selected, meaning the project will take additional time to complete.