Source: https://news.railanalysis.com/kolkata-metro-introduces-new-mr-513-passenger-rake-by-m-s-dalian-locomotive-rolling-stock-ltd/
Publisher: Rail Analysis India
Kolkata Metro has introduced the MR-513 rake into passenger service, featuring a host of special enhancements designed to elevate the comfort and enjoyment of the metro journey. This new rake includes advanced amenities and innovative features aimed at providing a more pleasant and efficient travel experience for metro passengers.
Background:
In May, Two state-of-the-art Metro rakes arrived from Dalian Locomotive and were shipped to Kolkata and reached Noapara Carshed. M/s Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co. Ltd. was awarded the tender to supply 14 rakes.
To meet the growing demand of its commuters, Kolkata Metro requires 131 rakes by 2026. Out of these, 117 rakes will be indigenously manufactured: broad gauge (BG) rakes by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai and standard gauge (SG) rakes by BEML in Bengaluru, a Central Government PSU. The remaining 14 rakes will be sourced from M/s Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co. Ltd., following a tender issued in 2011-12.
In June, The Electrical Inspector of Government of India (EIG) conducted a detailed inspection of two new rakes (MR-513 & MR- 514) fitted with three-phase electric propulsion system to check their electrical safety.
Based oÂn the routine test and inspection report, EIG has given his approval to charge these 8-coach rakes with 750V DC electric supply. This nod from EIG has been very significant as now other mandatory inspections of these rakes will be possible before introducing them to commercial services. That will further improve the Metro services in Kolkata.
Features of New Metro Rakes:
These rakes are all air-conditioned rakes with three-phase propulsion drive manufactured by M/s Toshiba. Brake System and Door System have been provided by M/s Knorr Bremse. High Speed Circuit Breaker has been provided by M/s Secheron and PAPIS as well as CCTV of these rakes have been manufactured by M/s Suzhou Huaqui Intelligent.
These fourteen rakes shall be under warranty of two years from the date of commissioning. These 14 rakes shall be provided with CBTC signalling ATO mode in synchronisation of commissioning of CBTC signalling system in North-South Corridor for which more than Rs 400 Crores have already been sanctioned and international consultant has also been engaged for system design.
Giving safety highest priority, Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) will be installed in these rakes till CBTC is not in place. These rakes’ AC tonnage capacity has been increased by 16.7 % with continuous ducting system and temperature control (first time in Kolkata Metro rake), for better controlled cooling including vestibule area that too without any water dropping possibility.
New rakes have been provided with a wider emergency front evacuation door for better safety, wider driver desk for Motorman’s comfort, exterior is provided with an anti-dust feature which ensures better cleaning.
CCTV cameras have also been provided with the capability of automatic 360-degree coverage in place of the existing 180-degree coverage. These rakes are equipped with light weight (650 kg) traction motors in place of existing 900 kg traction motors.
The introduction of the MR-513 rake signifies a major leap forward for the Kolkata Metro, enhancing passenger comfort and operational efficiency. With state-of-the-art features, advanced safety systems, and improved air-conditioning, these new rakes are set to offer a superior travel experience. This modernization effort reflects Kolkata Metro’s dedication to innovation and meeting the growing demands of its commuters.
