Another Dalian rake rolls out for Metro travellers

Another Dalian rake rolls out for Metro travellers

Commuters in the city can expect to enjoy a Metro ride in imported state-of-the-art coaches. The Kolkata Metro Railway today rolled out the first Dalian rake brought from China in 2019 for commercial services.

As the rake MR 501 chugged out of the platform at Dum Dum this evening, it came as a boon to the operations as its addition to the existing fleet is expected to result in more number of services.

“This particular rake is definitely superior to the existing rolling stock in many senses in terms of total passenger carrying capacity which is 8.5 percent more. The width of vestibules, doors are wider. The best part is the ride comfort measured by the ride index. Its ride index is 2.5 whereas the existing rolling stock has a ride index which is higher. Lower the ride index, the better it is. With the improved ride index, commuters will not be feeling the jerks or oscillation while travelling. In addition to that, the air conditioning capacity is 13 per cent more in the rake that would not make commuters suffocated,” informed the general manager of Kolkata Metro railway, Arun Arora during the maiden commercial run of the rake today.

The city Metro has placed an order for 14 Dalian rakes, costing Rs 85 crore each. Of the total, four rakes are already packed and ready for inspection by the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO). The rakes would be inducted in the existing fleet followed by the remaining nine rakes.

Meanwhile, as informed by the GM, the inauguration of the New Garia-Ruby stretch is awaiting a date confirmation from the authorities.

“It is ready in all respects. We are awaiting either the Prime Minister who we had requested or the MR (minister of Railways) to open it. As soon as the date comes, it will get commissioned on the same day,” added Mr arora.