VASCO
The first service of Vasco-Kulem Diesel Electrical Multiple Unit (DEMU), the first DEMU train of Hubballi Division, departed from Vasco at 7.30 am on Thursday.
The South Western Railway (SWR) has replaced Conventional Rake of Train 07342/07341 Vasco-Kulem-Vasco Passenger Special and Train 07343/07344 Vasco-Kulem-Vasco Passenger Special with new DEMU rakes with effect from Thursday. The train composition will have 8 car coaches.
According to SWR, the primary fuel source for a DEMU train is diesel. A diesel engine powers an alternator and subsequently feeds the electric motors. In DEMU service, each 'car' (passenger carrying coach) has its own source of motive power fitted below the coach.
This enables the DEMU train to have quick acceleration and retardation making them ideal to ply as shuttles between stations located at short intervals.
Local passenger services are ideally suited to be of DEMU type for its inherent advantages. It offers better comfort to passengers and is most suited for short distance commuter trains.
As the DEMU train can ply in both directions (has driving cabin on both ends), it does not require any cumbersome engine reversal at terminal stations, thereby saving time.
Better seating
The coaches are also better adopted with more seating for comfort of passengers. Each Car has a seating capacity of 105, whereas a conventional coach has 90. Two new DEMU rakes have been procured to run between Vasco and Kulem at an approximate cost of Rs 42 crore.
With the DEMU service, SWR has introduced one more train service between Vasco and Kulem from Monday. Accordingly, Train 07379 Kulem-Vasco DEMU Special will depart from Kulem at 12.20 pm and reach Vasco Da Gama at 2.10 pm.
In the return direction, Train 07380 Vasco-Kulem DEMU Special will depart from Vasco Da Gama at 1.05 pm and reach Kulem at 3 pm.
En route, the train has stoppages at Kalem, Sanvordem-Curchorem, Chandor, San Jose de Areal, Margao, Seraulim, Majorda, Cansaulim, Sancoale and Dabolim in both directions, thereby providing improved connectivity to Margao and Vasco.
“The introduction of DEMU trains in South Goa with increase in frequency of services from two to three will improve passenger services,” said SWR General Manager Sanjeev Kishore.
“SWR has made arrangements to maintain these rakes at Vasco itself and made men and material available for the task. As such, these DEMU rakes can be maintained at night while they are stabled at Vasco after running services in the day time.”
“This will avoid movements for maintenance between Vasco and Verna, saving line capacity too,” he said.
