Kolkata Metro rolling stock explained

See main article: Kolkata Metro. The rolling stock of Kolkata Metro, India consists of five classes, three classes for Line 1 and two classes for Line 2.

All trains receive 750 V DC using third rail electrification system. Trains can operate up to eight (line 1) 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 with tracks. So the options of rake manufacturers for Kolkata Metro Line 1 are very limited. While, the Kolkata Metro Line 2, being modern, uses the tracks.[1]

Line 1 (Blue Line)

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

Background:
  1. FFDB65
ICF/BHEL rake
Service:1984–2019
Manufacturer:Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Integral Coach Factory
Designer:Integral Coach Factory
Assembly:Chennai, India
Factory:Integral Coach Factory
Family:ICF 1000 series
Yearservice:1984–1988
Numberbuilt:9
Numberservice:0
Numberpreserved:1
Numberscrapped:8
Successor:3000 series
Formation:6 MC + 2 TC
Code:Bn
Capacity:2,400 passengers
Operator:Metro Railway, Kolkata
Depots:Noapara depot, Tollygunge depot and New Garia depot
Trainlength:156 m
Carlength:19.5 m
Width:2.74 m
Height:3.7 m
Doors:Sliding doors
Maxspeed:80 kmph
Poweroutput:3036 HP
Acceleration:1.1 m/s2
Deceleration:1.3 m/s2
Powersupply:750 V DC
Hvac:Non AC, forced ventilation with washed and cooled air
Electricsystem:Third rail
Collectionmethod:Contact shoe
Bogies:ICF bogie
Brakes:Eddy current and electro-pneumatic brakes
Seating:Longitudinal facing seats

ICF/BHEL rake

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]

Background:
  1. 50D1FF
ICF/NGEF rake
Service:1988–2021
Manufacturer:NGEF and Integral Coach Factory
Assembly:Chennai
Family:ICF 2000 series
Yearservice:1988–1992
Numberbuilt:9
Numberservice:0 (2 used for trial runs on line 3 and 6 and one motor car kept at Howrah rail museum)
Numberscrapped:6
Successor:3000 series
Formation:6 MC + 2 TC
Code:8N
Capacity:2,400 passengers
Operator:Metro Railway, Kolkata
Depots:Noapara depot, Tollygunge depot and New Garia depot
Trainlength:156 m
Carlength:19.5 m
Width:2.74 m
Doors:Sliding doors
Wheeldiameter:860mm
Wheelbase:2.45 m
Maxspeed:80 kmph
Axleload:20.32 MT
Traction Motors:566 kW
Poweroutput:5221 HP
Acceleration:1.1 m/s2
Deceleration:1.3 m/s2
Powersupply:750 V DC
Hvac:Non AC, forced ventilation with washed and cooled air
Electricsystem:Third rail
Collectionmethod:Contact shoe
Bogies:ICF bogie
Brakes:Eddy current and electro-pneumatic brakes
Seating:Longitudinal facing seats

ICF/NGEF rake

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]

Background:
  1. CFD5D7
ICF/BHEL rake
Service:2010–present
Manufacturer:Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Integral Coach Factory and Knorr-Bremse
Designer:Integral Coach Factory
Assembly:Chennai
Family:ICF 3000 series
Numberbuilt:13
Numberservice:13
Successor:4000 series
Code:Old: ACn/n+1
New: MR-30n
Capacity:3,136 passengers
Operator:Metro Railway, Kolkata
Depots:Noapara depot, Tollygunge depot and New Garia depot
Doors:Sliding doors
Powersupply:750 V DC
Hvac:Air conditioned
Electricsystem:Third rail
Collectionmethod:Contact shoe
Bogies:ICF bogie
Seating:Longitudinal facing seats

ICF/BHEL rake

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.

Background:
  1. 0033FF
ICF/MEDHA rake
Service:2019–present
Manufacturer:Integral Coach Factory and Medha Servo Drives Private Limited
Designer:Integral Coach Factory
Assembly:Chennai, India
Family:ICF 4000 series
Numberbuilt:18
Numberservice:18
Formation:2DTC+4MC+2TC
Code:MR-40n
Capacity:3,520 passengers
Carlength:19.5 m
Width:2.74 m
Height:3.625 m
Doors:Sliding doors
Maxspeed:90 kmph
Traction Motors:204 kW /3 phase
Poweroutput:3264 HP
Acceleration:0.85 m/s2
Deceleration:1.1 m/s2
Hvac:Air conditioned
Collectionmethod:Contact shoe
Bogies:ICF bogie
Brakes:Regenerative braking
Seating:Longitudinal facing seats

ICF/MEDHA rake

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]

Background:white
CRRC Dalian rake
Manufacturer:China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation
Assembly:Dalian, China
Code:MR-50n
Operator:Metro Railway, Kolkata
Carlength:19.5 m
Width:2.74 m
Height:3.65 m
Floorheight:1.13 m
Wheeldiameter:860 mm
Maxspeed:80 kmph
Axleload:17 tons
Powersupply:750 V DC
Hvac:Air conditioned
Electricsystem:Third rail
Collectionmethod:Contact shoe
Seating:Longitudinal facing seats
Notes:Passenger operation Started on 17th march 2023

CRRC Dalian rake

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.[10] 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 wider than any other metro rails in India. They will have wide vestibules, 2feet 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 . 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).[11] 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.[12] [13]

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

Line 2 (Green Line)

Background:
  1. 7700DF
BEML rake
Service:2020–present
Manufacturer:BEML Limited
Designer:BEML Limited
Assembly:Bengaluru
Ordernumber:KMRCL/RS (3R)/2016
Factory:BEML Limited
Family:BEML RS (3R)
Yearconstruction:2016–2020
Yearservice:2020–present
Numberbuilt:14
Formation:2 DMC + 2 TC + 2 MC
Code:MR-60n
Fleetnumbers:14
Capacity:2,068 passengers
Operator:Metro Railway, Kolkata
Depots:Central Park depot
Carbody:Stainless steel
Trainlength:124.8 m
Carlength:20 m
Width:2.88 m
Height:3.84 m
Doors:Sliding doors
Maxspeed:95 kmph
Powersupply:750 V DC
Hvac:Air conditioned; Roof mounted ventilation
Collectionmethod:Contact shoe
Brakes:Regenerative and pneumatic brakes
Light:LED based
Seating:Longitudinal facing seats

BEML rake

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.[14] [15] They are numbered MR-60n (where n is the rake no.; 1, 2, 3....14).[16] [17]

MCF/Dawonsys rake

MCF/Dawonsys rake
Manufacturer:Dawonsys and Modern Coach Factory
Designer:Dawonsys
Assembly:Rae Bareli, India and Gimcheon, South Korea
Yearconstruction:None
Carbody:Aluminium
Hvac:Air conditioned
Collectionmethod:Contact shoe
Seating:Longitudinal facing seats

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.[18] [19]

Line 3 (Purple Line)

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.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 8am on Valentine's Day; Your date with East-West Metro. Chakraborty. 1Ajanta. 5 February 2020. Jayanta. Gupta. The Times of India. 2020-02-10. https://web.archive.org/web/20200205180500/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/8am-on-valentines-day-your-date-with-east-west-metro/articleshow/73944004.cms. 2020-02-05. live.
  2. Web site: Salient Data on rolling stock. 2013-06-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20130806115610/http://www.mtp.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,391,400. 2013-08-06. live.
  3. News: Kolkata Metro to get 40 new AC rakes, first of the lot arrives . https://web.archive.org/web/20170719075226/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/railways/kolkata-metro-to-get-40-new-ac-rakes-first-of-the-lot-arrives/articleshow/59661245.cms . 2017-07-19 . The Economic Times . PTI . 19 July 2017 . dead . 1 March 2023.
  4. Web site: Rolling Stock. 2 May 2020.
  5. Web site: First look: your swank AC Metro. 2013-06-30. https://web.archive.org/web/20150601181604/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100716/jsp/calcutta/story_12690099.jsp. 2015-06-01. dead.
  6. Web site: 2013-08-06. Metro Railway Kolkata / Indian Railways Portal. https://web.archive.org/web/20130806115610/http://www.mtp.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,391,400. dead. 2013-08-06. 2020-08-07.
  7. https://www.urbantransportnews.com/kolkata-metro-plans-to-replace-old-fleets-with-modern-metro-trains/ 」urbantransportnews 12 February 2020
  8. Web site: 2019-09-29. Titagarh Group. https://web.archive.org/web/20190929133846/http://titagarh.in:80/metro.php. dead. 2019-09-29. 2020-08-05.
  9. Web site: Kolkata Metro.
  10. Web site: Modern Chinese rakes for Kolkata Metro. Basak. Probal. 20 June 2015. Business Standard India. 5 March 2019.
  11. Web site: Metro rake from China off vessel. www.telegraphindia.com. 5 March 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043437/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/metro-rake-from-china-off-vessel/cid/1686223. 6 March 2019. live.
  12. Web site: 印度加尔各答地铁车辆_产品中心_城轨_大连公司. www.crrcgc.cc. 2019-08-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20190812123646/http://www.crrcgc.cc/dl/g8425/s16347/t282022.aspx. 2019-08-12. live.
  13. Web site: 25 June 2020. Jayanta . Gupta. Kolkata: With Chinese signal system deal off the table, fate of 13 Dalian Metro rakes hangs in balance . 2020-09-06. The Times of India.
  14. Web site: Central PSU wins Rs 900-crore Metro rake order – Times of India. 2016-09-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20160122095904/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Central-PSU-wins-Rs-900-crore-Metro-rake-order/articleshow/50661128.cms. 2016-01-22. live.
  15. Web site: Tender Award Notice.
  16. Web site: Oct 2019. Rail & Metro Product Brochure. live. https://web.archive.org/web/20200711182832/https://www.bemlindia.in/Writereaddata/Downloads/Rail%26Metro_Product_Brochure.pdf. 11 July 2020. 8 Jul 2020. bemlindia.in.
  17. Web site: Standard Gauge Metro Car (750V DC). 2019-08-12. https://web.archive.org/web/20190812123646/https://www.bemlindia.in/writereaddata/Downloads/20170822073940catalogue3.pdf. 2019-08-12. live.
  18. Web site: South Korea's Dawonsys To Design Aluminium Coaches For Indian Railways At Rae Bareli Plant. 2020-03-17. India Infra Hub. 2020-05-15.
  19. Web site: Indian Railways eyes world-class shift in trains with 160 kmph aluminium body coaches; exclusive details. 2020-03-17. The Financial Express. 2020-05-15. https://web.archive.org/web/20200623090459/https://www.financialexpress.com/infrastructure/railways/indian-railways-eyes-world-class-shift-in-trains-with-160-kmph-aluminium-body-coaches-exclusive-details/1900208/. 2020-06-23. live.