Kolkata Metro expands fleet with two new Dalian rakes for Blue Line

Kolkata: Two more Dalian rakes have been added to the Kolkata Metro’s fleet and arrived at the Noapara Carshed on January 14. Once operational, the total number of Dalian rakes in service on the Blue Line (Dakshineswar-Kavi Subhash) will increase to five.

The rakes, MR-504 and MR-512, were procured through a global tender and arrived at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port aboard the vessel Violet Ace on January 12. A total of 16 coaches were lowered from the ship and assembled before being transported to Noapara Carshed with the help of a diesel engine.

According to Metro Railway authorities, these new rakes are equipped with several enhancements aimed at improving passenger comfort. The doors are 190mm wider than the existing AC rakes, allowing easier entry and exit, especially during peak hours. Other enhancements include greater seating capacity, improved high-capacity air conditioning, noise reduction features, and soothing illumination.

“Currently, three Dalian rakes are operational on the Blue Line. These two rakes will also be introduced on the Blue Line after completion of certain mandatory tests,” said a spokesperson for Metro Railway.