Trial run of MEMU train begins

KOCHI: The MEMU train, which was stationed at the Ernakulam Junction railway station since Monday night, was taken to Kollam for a trial run on Wednesday.The train left for Kollam at 2.15 pm under the supervision of the railway area manager George John. “The train, which started from the station, will reach Kollam via Kayamkulam on Wednesday evening. Once, it finishes its round, it will reach Ernakulam at 9 am on Thursday.It will again depart for Kollam via Kottayam at 2.45 pm the same day and reach Kollam station at 6.45 pm.”The MEMU after the trial run there will then start from the Kollam station at 10 am and reach Ernakulam through Kottayam at 2.30 pm. “At present, the success of the trial run will justify whether the train needs to stay here. A safety certificate should be obtained first, then only decisions can be taken,” George added.Introducing MEMUs from Kochi have been part of the railway budget announced during 2009-2010 and 2010-2011.Meanwhile, a widespread protest broke out on Tuesday night on the railway authorities move to recall the MEMU train back to Chennai without conducting a trial run. The decision was then cancelled, when DYFI activists led by P Rajeev MP protested in front of the train.