Indian Railways Approves Two New MEMU Services in Uttar Pradesh

Indian Railways has approved two new Mainline Electric Multiple Unit services originating from Meerut City, linking the western Uttar Pradesh hub with Khurja and Saharanpur respectively, the Press Information Bureau announced on Wednesday. The clearance adds dedicated commuter corridors on routes that currently rely on conventional passenger trains or longer-distance expresses, shortening journey times for daily travellers between the three cities.

The Meerut City–Khurja MEMU will cover roughly 60 kilometres along the existing Delhi–Howrah main line, serving industrial townships and agricultural mandis that have long sought higher-frequency electric traction. The second service, between Meerut City and Saharanpur, spans about 130 kilometres on the same trunk route before branching toward the Punjab border, connecting educational institutions, cantonment areas and the wood-carving clusters of Saharanpur with the National Capital Region’s expanding labour market.

Both trains will operate as MEMU rakes — self-propelled electric multiple units designed for rapid acceleration and frequent stops — replacing the diesel-hauled passenger specials that presently ply the sections. Railway officials said the electric stock will cut running costs and reduce carbon emissions while allowing a denser timetable; the existing infrastructure supports 25 kV AC overhead traction throughout, requiring no fresh electrification work.

The approval follows months of representations from local Members of Parliament and district administrations, who argued that the absence of dedicated suburban-style services forced thousands of commuters onto overcrowded express trains or unreliable road transport. Western Railway’s Meerut division will now finalise rake allocation, crew rostering and a detailed timetable before a formal inauguration date is announced. Until then, the current passenger specials will continue on their existing schedules.