Main line electrical multiple units (MEMU) provide faster acceleration, shorter braking distance and higher passenger carrying capacity as compared to normal passenger trains. Advanced 3 phase AC technology-based MEMUs are energy efficient, environment friendly making it a better choice for short and medium distance travel with multiple stoppages.
Equipped with distributed powering and electro-pneumatic braking systems, these trains take lesser time in attaining certain speed and braking distance is also shorter as compared to conventional locomotive-hauled passenger trains thus making them suitable for journeys requiring multiple stoppages. Further, MEMUs equipped with both side driving units can commence return journey much faster as compared to conventional passenger trains which require reversal of locomotive for the return journey.
All new MEMU rakes are equipped with environment-friendly bio-toilets, washbasins, comfortable seats, stainless steel fittings, LED lighting, high capacity fans, mobile charging points etc. inside passenger area for improved journey experience. With a combination of one driving motor car and three trailer coaches, this unit of 04 coaches can be coupled up to 16 coach length formation to meet varied traffic requirement.
MEMU rakes are already introduced on North Central Railway and approximately 74 services were operating prior to lockdown. NCR having no maintenance facility for MEMUs, all these rakes had to be based in Gaziabad MEMU shed under Northern Railway for routine and safety-related maintenance activities. Due to this limitation, most of the services were restricted to the nearby location from New Delhi and difficulty was being faced to extend MEMU services in all parts of NCR.
Keeping this in view a full-fledged MEMU maintenance facility at Kanpur was sanctioned by Railway Board in the budget year 2016-17. Kanpur being centrally located was the most preferred choice as it would facilitate MEMU services in all parts of North Central Railway as well as services from NCR to adjoining railways like NR, NER, ECR, WCR etc. This important work for construction of MEMU shed and creation of all maintenance facility was entrusted to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited for turnkey execution.
This work under execution by RVNL valuing Rs 92.71 Crore is nearing completion as shed structure, associated service buildings etc. are already constructed; required machinery for maintenance have arrived at site and commissioning is under process; electronic interlocking work of Kanpur loco cabin providing connectivity to new MEMU shed is commissioned on 19.10.2020 and full-fledged MEMU maintenance facility at Kanpur is expected to be commissioned by January 2021.
Constructed MEMU shed with two maintenance lines has a pre-engineered building (Steel Structures) with Galvalume sheet and 20% of total roof area by Polycarbonate sheet of the clear profile which allows natural lights in the shed. Turbo-vent is provided over roof sheets for proper ventilation. This shed will also have solar energy generation capability with 75 KWp solar plant installed on roofs and 75 KL water recycling plant is also provided making it environment-friendly MEMU shed is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery & plants, latest firefighting arrangements and other user facilities.
Post commissioning this MEMU shed will pave the way for homing of modern, faster, energy-efficient commuter trains on North Central Railway for efficient mass transport of people in short and medium distance range.