Kolkata Metro rolling stock

Main article: Kolkata Metro
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Kolkata Metro
Commons

The rolling stock of Kolkata Metro, India consists of five classes, three classes for Line 1, one of which is also used for Line 3 and Line 6, and two classes for Line 2.

All trains receive 750 V DC using third rail electrification system. Trains can operate up to eight (Lines 1, 3 and 6) and six (Line 2) cars in length.

Since Kolkata Metro was constructed in 1970s, there were some technical limitations. Due to the tunnel dimensions, and being under Indian Railways, Kolkata Metro opted Indian metre gauge shell (22.7 m (74 ft 6 in)) with 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) tracks for Line 1, which was later used for Line 3 and Line 6. So the options of rake manufacturers for Lines 1, 3 and 6 are very limited. On the other hand, Line 2 uses the 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge tracks similar to most other Indian metro networks.[1]

Line 1 (Blue Line)

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The Kolkata Metro Line 1 has two operational classes of trains, and one is under trial.

ICF/BHEL rake
In service1984–2019
ManufacturerBharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Integral Coach Factory
DesignerIntegral Coach Factory
AssemblyChennai, India
Built atIntegral Coach Factory
Family nameICF 1000 series
Entered service1984–1988
Number built9
Number in service0
Number preserved1
Number scrapped8
Successor3000 series
Formation6 MC + 2 TC
Design codeBn
Capacity2,400 passengers
OperatorsMetro Railway, Kolkata
DepotsNoapara depot, Tollygunge depot and New Garia depot
Lines served
Specifications
Train length156 m
Car length19.5 m
Width2.74 m
Height3.7 m
DoorsSliding doors
Maximum speed80 kmph
Power output3036 HP
Acceleration1.1 m/s2
Deceleration1.3 m/s2
Power supply750 V DC
HVACNon AC, forced ventilation with washed and cooled air
Electric system(s)Third rail
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
BogiesICF bogie
Braking system(s)Eddy current and electro-pneumatic brakes
SeatingLongitudinal facing seats
Track gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian gauge

ICF/BHEL rake

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9 rakes were manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai and were passed into service in the first phase when the metro initially ran from Esplanade to Bhawanipur.[2] These trains were yellow in colour and had a brown stripe at the bottom. Later the colour was changed to white with a maroon stripe. Lastly, they were yellow with a wide red band at the bottom. These rakes were numbed Bn (where n was the rake no.; 1, 2,...., 9)[3][4][5][6]

ICF/NGEF rake
In service1988–2021
ManufacturerNGEF and Integral Coach Factory
AssemblyChennai
Family nameICF 2000 series
Entered service1988–1992
Number built9
Number in service0 (2 used for trial runs on line 3 and 6 and one motor car kept at Howrah rail museum)
Number scrapped6
Successor3000 series
Formation6 MC + 2 TC
Design code8N
Capacity2,400 passengers
OperatorsMetro Railway, Kolkata
DepotsNoapara depot, Tollygunge depot and New Garia depot
Lines served
Specifications
Train length156 m
Car length19.5 m
Width2.74 m
DoorsSliding doors
Wheel diameter860 mm (0.86 m)
Wheelbase2.45 m
Maximum speed80 kmph
Axle load20.32 MT
Traction motors566 kW
Power output5221 HP
Acceleration1.1 m/s2
Deceleration1.3 m/s2
Power supply750 V DC
HVACNon AC, forced ventilation with washed and cooled air
Electric system(s)Third rail
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
BogiesICF bogie
Braking system(s)Eddy current and electro-pneumatic brakes
SeatingLongitudinal facing seats
Track gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian gauge

ICF/NGEF rake

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By 1988–90, 9 more rakes manufactured by ICF were procured and put in service when the system expanded. These rakes were tougher and had higher acceleration than the previous ones. The colors of these trains were dark green with a yellow stripe at the bottom, later they were repainted in white with a blue stripe and lastly, they were sky blue with a deep blue band at the bottom. In 2017–18, these were refurbished and put into service in a phased manner. The rakes were marked with 8N symbols.[7][8][5]

ICF/BHEL rake
In service2010–present
ManufacturerBharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Integral Coach Factory and Knorr-Bremse
DesignerIntegral Coach Factory
AssemblyChennai
Family nameICF 3000 series
Number built13
Number in service13
Successor4000 series
Design codeOld: ACn/n+1
New: MR-30n
Capacity3,136 passengers
OperatorsMetro Railway, Kolkata
DepotsNoapara depot, Tollygunge depot and New Garia depot
Lines served
Specifications
DoorsSliding doors
Power supply750 V DC
HVACAir conditioned
Electric system(s)Third rail
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
BogiesICF bogie
SeatingLongitudinal facing seats
Track gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian gauge

ICF/BHEL rake

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These are the first AC trains that were passed into service in 2010, after the elevated corridor from Mahanayak Uttam Kumar to Kavi Nazrul was completed. Later, as the last extension from Kavi Nazrul to Kavi Subhash was finished, more 3000 series rakes were introduced. These trains are manufactured by ICF in collaboration with BHEL. Presently there are 13 (3000 series) rakes, which are operating on Line 1. These rakes are numbed ACn/n+1 (where (n+1)/2 is the rake number). The rolling stocks numbers are now being changed to MR-30n (where n is the rake no.; 1, 2, 3....18) as they are being gradually repainted to white and violet.[5]

ICF/MEDHA rake
MEDHA metro rake at Dakshineswar metro station
In service2019–present
ManufacturerIntegral Coach Factory and Medha Servo Drives Private Limited
DesignerIntegral Coach Factory
AssemblyChennai, India
Family nameICF 4000 series
Number built18
Number in service18
Formation2DTC+4MC+2TC
Design codeMR-40n
Capacity3,520 passengers
Lines served
Specifications
Car length19.5 m
Width2.74 m
Height3.625 m
DoorsSliding doors
Maximum speed90 kmph
Traction motors204 kW /3 phase
Power output3264 HP
Acceleration0.85 m/s2
Deceleration1.1 m/s2
HVACAir conditioned
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
BogiesICF bogie
Braking system(s)Regenerative braking
Coupling systemScharfenberg coupler
SeatingLongitudinal facing seats
Track gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian gauge

ICF/MEDHA rake

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2 prototype rakes manufactured by ICF Chennai and Medha and were supplied to Kolkata Metro by September 2017. These trains were extremely snagprone and Kolkata Metro officials took 2 years to fix the snags and to bring these trains into operation. Some of these trains were sent back to ICF during testing phase. These trains are completely different from existing AC trains made by ICF, BHEL, Knorr-Bremse. These trains have 3 phase alternating current motors, regenerative braking, stainless steel body, CCTV cameras (not present in rakes, numbered as MR-401 & MR-402), and better passenger information system. 14 rakes were delivered by April 2021.On 3 April 2019, the first ICF MEDHA rake ran between Noapara and New Garia, after 20 months. Gradually followed by 2 more rakes. After the initial hiccups these trains are praised by passengers for their comfort during braking and acceleration. Metro expressed satisfaction over the performance of the rakes as these rakes are more energy efficient. These rakes are numbed MR-40n (where n is the rake no.; 1, 2, 3....18).Currently, 18 such trains operate on Line-1. The last 3 trains of this type are compatible with both CBTC and the present DTG signalling system, although CBTC is not used on Line-1.[9][10]

CRRC Dalian rake
The first rake at Noapara depot
ManufacturerChina Railway Rolling Stock Corporation
AssemblyDalian, China
Design codeMR-50n
OperatorsMetro Railway, Kolkata
Lines served
Specifications
Car length19.5 m
Width2.74 m
Height3.65 m
Floor height1.13 m
Wheel diameter860 mm
Maximum speed80 kmph
Axle load17 tons
Power supply750 V DC
HVACAir conditioned
Electric system(s)Third rail
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
SeatingLongitudinal facing seats
Track gauge5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian gauge
Notes/references
Passenger operation Started on 17th march 2023

CRRC Dalian rake

[edit]

There was a need to replace non-AC rakes on Line 1 and so during mid 2015 it was announced that Indian Railways for the first time would rope an international train-maker, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) based in Dalian.[11] As per the tender, 14 new rakes composed of 8 coaches each will be supplied to Kolkata metro by CNR Dalian Locomotive company, a subsidiary of CRRC, which will be running on Line 1. These rakes will be of ultra-modern technology. They will have doors that will be 20 cm (7.9 in) wider than any other metro rails in India. They will have wide vestibules, 2 feet 6 inches (0.76 m) wider than the existing trains. The design consists of the aerodynamic front with large doors and LED lights, and violet colored stripe on silver color body. These rakes are capable of a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). The first of the 14 rakes from Chinese firm Dalian was slated to arrive by December 2017 but got delayed due to various reasons. The first rake finally arrived in Kolkata on 3 March 2019 on a vessel at Netaji Subhas Dock (NSD).[12] Each of the 8 coaches of the rake weigh nearly 45 tonnes. The rake was unloaded and taken to Noapara carshed after which trial runs and inspection would be carried out before commencing operations. Other 13 rakes are ready, but the shipment got delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

These rakes were under performance trials for more than 20 months as serious problems related to performance of the rake were identified during trials. Some of the issues related to insufficient power to climb up the slopes in the tunnels and higher oscillation in the bogie.[13][14]

On 17th March 2023, the first Dalian rake was inducted into service. Another 3 rakes will arrive soon.

Line 2 (Green Line)

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BEML rake
In service2020–present
ManufacturerBEML Limited
DesignerBEML Limited
AssemblyBengaluru
Order no.KMRCL/RS (3R)/2016
Built atBEML Limited
Family nameBEML RS (3R)
Constructed2016–2020
Entered service2020–present
Number built14
Formation2 DMC + 2 TC + 2 MC
Design codeMR-60n
Fleet numbers14
Capacity2,068 passengers
OperatorsMetro Railway, Kolkata
DepotsCentral Park depot
Lines served
Specifications
Car body constructionStainless steel
Train length124.8 m
Car length20 m
Width2.88 m
Height3.84 m
DoorsSliding doors
Maximum speed95 kmph
Power supply750 V DC
HVACAir conditioned; Roof mounted ventilation
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
Braking system(s)Regenerative and pneumatic brakes
Headlight typeLED based
SeatingLongitudinal facing seats
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

BEML rake

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The bidding by the Spanish company CAF for Line 2 was cancelled due to funding related problems. Re-bidding was done and BEML was given the contract for 14 rakes of 6 coaches each at a cost of ₹900 crore. The rakes are microprocessor controlled with 3 phase AC motors and CBTC system. The rakes were supplied to Kolkata from 2017.[15][16] They are numbered MR-60n (where n is the rake no.; 1, 2, 3....14).[17][18]

MCF/Dawonsys rake

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MCF/Dawonsys rake
ManufacturerDawonsys and Modern Coach Factory
DesignerDawonsys
AssemblyRae Bareli, India and Gimcheon, South Korea
ConstructedNone
Lines served
Specifications
Car body constructionAluminium
HVACAir conditioned
Current collector(s)Contact shoe
SeatingLongitudinal facing seats
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

In 2019, Indian Railways approved the manufacturing of 500 aluminium body coaches at the Modern Coach Factory, in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, following the Transfer of Technology from Dawonsys. A prototype of 3 coaches (2 MC + 1 TC) will be received by MCF, and the rest will be built here. These will have a top speed of 100 km/h and life span of 40 years.[19][20]

Line 3 (Purple Line)

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Two sets of ICF MEDHA rakes with the rake numbers MR-417 and MR-418 have been brought to the Joka Depot and are currently operational on Line 3.

Line 6 (Orange Line)

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Two sets of ICF MEDHA rakes are also currently operational on Line 6 similar to Line 3.

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  • ICF MEDHA rake MR-418 During the Inauguration Day of Line 3 at Joka Metro Station
    ICF MEDHA rake MR-418 During the Inauguration Day of Line 3 at Joka Metro Station

References

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  1. ^ Chakraborty, 1Ajanta; Gupta, Jayanta (5 February 2020). "8am on Valentine's Day; Your date with East-West Metro". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ "Salient Data on rolling stock". Archived from the original on 6 August 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  3. ^ "Kolkata Metro to get 40 new AC rakes, first of the lot arrives". The Economic Times. PTI. 19 July 2017. Archived from the original on 19 July 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
  4. ^ "Rolling Stock" (PDF). 2 May 2020.
  5. ^ a b c "First look: your swank AC Metro". Archived from the original on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
  6. ^ "Metro Railway Kolkata / Indian Railways Portal". 6 August 2013. Archived from the original on 6 August 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
  7. ^ 「[1] Archived 2020-01-27 at the Wayback Machine」urbantransportnews 12 February 2020
  8. ^ "Titagarh Group". 29 September 2019. Archived from the original on 29 September 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
  9. ^ Kolkata Metro to run trains at every 90 Seconds on North–South Corridor!, archived from the original on 20 December 2021, retrieved 11 August 2019
  10. ^ "Kolkata Metro".
  11. ^ Basak, Probal (20 June 2015). "Modern Chinese rakes for Kolkata Metro". Business Standard India. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  12. ^ "Metro rake from China off vessel". www.telegraphindia.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  13. ^ "印度加尔各答地铁车辆_产品中心_城轨_大连公司". www.crrcgc.cc. Archived from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  14. ^ Gupta, Jayanta (25 June 2020). "Kolkata: With Chinese signal system deal off the table, fate of 13 Dalian Metro rakes hangs in balance". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
  15. ^ "Central PSU wins Rs 900-crore Metro rake order – Times of India". Archived from the original on 22 January 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
  16. ^ "Tender Award Notice" (PDF).
  17. ^ "Rail & Metro Product Brochure" (PDF). bemlindia.in. October 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
  18. ^ "Standard Gauge Metro Car (750V DC)" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
  19. ^ "South Korea's Dawonsys To Design Aluminium Coaches For Indian Railways At Rae Bareli Plant". India Infra Hub. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  20. ^ "Indian Railways eyes world-class shift in trains with 160 kmph aluminium body coaches; exclusive details". The Financial Express. 17 March 2020. Archived from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
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