METRO RAILWAY
KOLKATA
PRESS RELEASE
EVOLUTION OF KOLKATA METRO RAKES
Kolkata, Date: 28.03.2023
The first Metro of the country started to chug on the city Metro tracks in 1984 fulfilling the dreams of millions.
It was a small step to provide a mass rapid transport system in a congested city like Kolkata. At that time Kolkata Metro had 9 rakes of 8 coaches each manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai in its fleet. These rakes were pressed into service from Esplanade to Bhawanipur (now known as Netaji Bhavan). These MR-100 series Non-AC rakes equipped with DC traction technology started to ferry passengers quickly with unbelievable comfort at that time. As time progressed these rakes were phased out in 2020 as the codal life of these MR-100 series rakes were over. one coach of this series rake has been preserved at Howrah Rail Museum. Three driving coaches are also in departmental use at present.
In the second phase, 9 more rakes manufactured by ICF were procured. These NGEF rakes with 8 coaches served Kolkata Metro for a long time. The official farewell to these rakes from commercial service was given on 24.10.2021 in a befitting manner. Two of these rakes (MR-200 series) have been kept at Joka and Kavi Subhash Sheds. These rakes are being used for departmental works.
As time progressed demand for air-conditioned rakes was raised by the commuters. The first AC Metro rake manufactured by Integral Coach Factory was introduced in commercial service on 07.10.2010. During the period 2010-12, 13 ICF made BHEL rakes were procured and added to Metro fleet. These MR-300 series rakes are still now serving the commuters.
Metro started to procure ICF manufactured Medha rakes in 2018. During 2018-21, 18 Medha rakes having 8 coaches equipped with 3-phase traction technology have been procured. Right now these rakes (MR-400 series) have been providing smooth and comfortable services to the commuters. Out of these 18 Medha rakes, two rakes are now plying on newly inaugurated Joka-Taratala stretch of Purple Line.
Keeping pace with the technological advancement and with the aim of providing more comforts to the commuters, one China made CRRC Dalian rake (MR-500 series) has been inducted in Metro fleet on 17.03.2023. 13 such rakes will be procured for Metro fleet in near future.
Apart from North-South Corridor (Blue Line), East-West Corridor (Green Line) has also been opened for passenger service on 13.02.2020. Catering to the needs of commuters of this corridor 14 BEML rakes have been procured during 2019-21. These 3-phase rakes (MR-600 series) are technologically superior, more sophisticated and comfortable.
Kausik Mitra
Chief Public Relations Officer
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