Patna: The East Central Railway (ECR) passenger train coaches will be converted to mainline electrical multiple unit (Memu) in a month, reducing interstate travel time as well as increasing commuter comfort.

"The ECR will soon receive 128 Memu coaches from the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. These coaches will be utilised in passenger services and steps are being taken to replace the coaches and convert them into Memu services," chief public relations officer Rajesh Kumar told The Telegraph.

At present, there are three classes of trains. The first comprises the premier trains Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, second are the mail express and superfast trains and the third is passenger trains. The ECR has first increased the speed of passenger trains from 100kmph to 110kmph.

One Memu unit comprises four coaches and a separate loco. One of them is a driving coach and rest are trailers that run along.

"Introduction of Memu service is likely to improve the punctuality of passenger trains," Rajesh said on the benefit of the Memu coaches. "It will increase the average speed of the passenger trains, reduce inter-station running time and prove to be a boon for short-distance daily commuters."

Rohit Kumar, a resident of West Lohanipur, said: "It is a very good step taken by the Indian Railways and now we will be able to utilise our time in some other important work instead of wasting it in travelling."