Not sure when it will be commissioned!!! A Chinese built rake had arrived in Kolkata in March 2019 to boost the ageing north-south Metro Railway fleet. It was then billed as the best bet to replace the snag-prone old rakes. But till date the train was yet to start commercial runs as it is a prototype and needs extensive trials. Metro engineers had earlier said they were enthused by the impressive performances of the Dalian rakes in tests. At first it undergone the Static Load Test, in which coaches were loaded with sand bags to test the functioning of the rake when it would run with passengers. Following which an oscillation test had been carried out in January 2020 by the RDSO. The report was long pending. After getting the RDSO clearance, the rake is currently going through a series of tests and trials including riding index test, specific energy test, electro-magnetic interference test, magnetic compatibility test. After all these a final clearance is needed from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) and final nod from the Railway Board to start commercial runs.
The Railway Board had first contracted CNR Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co to build 14 rakes for Calcutta Metro in May 2015. The rakes were supposed to have been delivered by October 2018. But a design approval from the RDSO delayed the process. The contract was then extended till June 2020. The Railway board then further extended it till February 2022. According to the current govt. policy, in terms of importance, the Chinese rake is in the backseat now as they want to focus on home-made rakes. As per reports 13 rakes for Kolkata Metro are lying idle at the production facility in Dalian. And fate of the one lying at Noapara is still uncertain.
Photographed by Arkopal Sarkar. D.O.P. - 17th September 2021.