MEMU

In Indian Railways, A MEMU is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train that serves short and medium-distance routes in India, as compared to normal EMU trains that connect urban and suburban areas. The acronym stands for Mainline Electric Multiple Unit.[1]

For other uses, see Electric multiple unit.
MEMU
A 3rd-generation MEMU train produced by RCF rest at Bandel
A 3rd-generation MEMU train produced by RCF rest at Bandel
Overview
OwnerIndian Railways
Area servedIndia
Transit typeRegional rail/Commuter rail
Operation
Began operation1995
Operator(s)Indian Railways
Reporting marksIR
Train length12 coaches
Technical
Track gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge
Electrification25 kV AC Overhead line
Top speed130 km/h (81 mph)

History
A Jessop-built 1.5 kV DC EMU train built in the 1950s. It was one of the first EMU of Mumbai suburban railway. This design was nicknamed the Lovemate, and was discontinued in 2016

Indian Railways (IR) started MEMU service on Asansol – Adra section on 15 July 1995 and on Kharagpur – Tata section on 22 July 1995. Delhi-Panipat MEMU service started on 27 September 1995. Raipur–Durg–Bhatapara–Raipur–Bilaspur MEMU service started on 17 October 1995. Arakkonam-Jolarpettai MEMU service on 22 May 2000. Bankura-Midnapore MEMU started on 30 June 2000. The first 20 coach MEMU ran between Surat to Virar in 2017. Since 2019, 3-phase MEMUs have started replacing existing MEMU rakes.[2]

IR is progressively replacing all locomotive-hauled slow and fast passenger and intercity trains with EMUs. The upgraded trains are re-branded as MEMUs.

Operation

The system uses multiple electrical units[3][4] operating on 25 kV AC drawn from overhead lines. The trailer coaches have two toilets for passengers and one for the crew.

The train can run up to 200 km (120 mi) between Eastern Ghat and Western Ghat. The rakes have a maximum permitted speed of 105 km/h (65 mph) on broad-gauge tracks. The motorcoaches use DC traction motors. These rakes use asynchronous traction motors and have a maximum designed speed of 110 km/h. These use a stainless steel body. Two of them operate on South Central Railways.

ICF launched new MEMUs capable to operate at 110–130 km/h. The construction cost is ₹ 26 crore per unit and can carry 2,618 passengers. This train has a three phase traction motor and operates on 25 kV current which saves 35% energy. It offers GPS-based passenger information systems and announcement in coaches. It has double leaf sliding doors, gangways, CCTV cameras and aluminium luggage racks. The driver's cabin has AC and the coach has an emergency communication facility. It is designed to operate between cities 200–300 km (120–190 mi) away in Uttar Pradesh. The train may start in February 2019.[5]

Manufacturing

MEMUs are manufactured at Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala, and Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. Rakes are maintained in the Titlagarh coach maintenance shops. Marathwada Rail Coach Factory, Latur is currently trying to ramp up production capacity of 250 MEMU coaches per annum.

3rd Generation

New 3rd generation has been rolled out from RCF Kapurthala

List of features
  1. Ethernet-based Train Control Management System which provides advanced control features
  2. designed for speeds of up to 110 kmph
  3. Energy efficient LED lights have been provided with 50 percent emergency lights in each coach
  4. train is equipped with the latest GPS-based public address and passenger information system in each coach to facilitate passengers with respect to railway stations enroute
  5. train is equipped with 3-phase IGBT-based converter and inverter designed and developed by BHEL
  6. train also features a technologically advanced regenerative braking system.
  • An old MEMU train
    An old MEMU train
  • A new aerodynamic-designed MEMU train
    A new aerodynamic-designed MEMU train

Comparison to locomotive-hauled trains
Further information: Multiple unit § Comparison to locomotive-hauled trains

See also

References
  1. TTI. "MEMU Trains in India". Total Train Info. Retrieved 2021-02-08.
  2. "3-phase MEMU to replace conventional DC rakes soon". The Hindu. 3 October 2019.
  3. "SCR starts 2 Memu trains". The Times of India. July 20, 2011. Archived from the original on June 1, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
  4. Express News Service (December 9, 2011). "Corporation adamant on saving MEMU dream". CNN-IBM. Archived from the original on March 18, 2013. Retrieved December 10, 2011.
  5. New Train 18-like MEMU for North India! Indian Railways rolls out 130 kmph train for short-distance travel
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