Kolkata Metro rolling stock

Main article: Kolkata Metro

The rolling stock of Kolkata Metro consists of five classes, three classes for Blue Line, one of which is also used for Purple and Orange Lines, and two classes for Green Line.

All trains receive 750 V DC using third rail electrification system. Trains can operate up to eight (Blue, Purple, Orange Lines) and six (Green Line) cars in length.

Since Kolkata Metro was constructed in 1970s, there were some technical limitations. Due to the tunnel dimensions, and being under Indian Railways, Kolkata Metro opted Indian metre gauge shell (22.7 m (74 ft 6 in)) with 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) tracks for Blue Line, which was later used for Purple and Orange Lines. So the options of rake manufacturers for Blue, Purple and Orange Lines are very limited. On the other hand, Green Line uses the 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge tracks similar to most other Indian metro networks. ^[1]

Blue Line

The Kolkata Metro Blue Line has two operational classes of trains, and one is under trial.

ICF/BHEL rake
In service	1984–2019
Manufacturer	Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and Integral Coach Factory
Designer	Integral Coach Factory
Assembly	Chennai, India
Built at	Integral Coach Factory
Family name	ICF 1000 series
Entered service	1984–1988
Number built	9
Number in service	0
Number preserved	1
Number scrapped	8
Successor	3000 series
Formation	6 MC + 2 TC
Design code	Bn
Capacity	2,400 passengers
Operators	Metro Railway, Kolkata
Depots	Noapara depot, Tollygunge depot and New Garia depot
Lines served
Specifications
Train length	156 m
Car length	19.5 m
Width	2.74 m
Height	3.7 m
Doors	Sliding doors
Maximum speed	80 kmph
Power output	3036 HP
Acceleration	1.1 m/s2
Deceleration	1.3 m/s2
Power supply	750 V DC
HVAC	Non AC, forced ventilation with washed and cooled air
Electric system(s)	Third rail
Current collector(s)	Contact shoe
Bogies	ICF bogie
Braking system(s)	Eddy current and electro-pneumatic brakes
Seating	Longitudinal facing seats
Track gauge	5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian gauge

ICF/BHEL rake

9 rakes were manufactured by Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai and were passed into service in the first phase when the metro initially ran from Esplanade to Bhawanipur. ^[2] These trains were yellow in colour and had a brown stripe at the bottom. Later the colour was changed to white with a maroon stripe. Lastly, they were yellow with a wide red band at the bottom. These rakes were numbed Bn (where n was the rake no.; 1, 2,...., 9) ^{[3] [4] [5] [6]}

ICF/NGEF rake
In service	1988–2021
Manufacturer	NGEF and Integral Coach Factory
Assembly	Chennai
Family name	ICF 2000 series
Entered service	1988–1992
Number built	9
Number in service	0 (2 used for trial runs on Purple and Orange Lines and one motor car kept at Howrah rail museum)
Number scrapped	6
Successor	3000 series
Formation	6 MC + 2 TC
Design code	8N
Capacity	2,400 passengers
Operators	Metro Railway, Kolkata
Depots	Noapara depot, Tollygunge depot and New Garia depot
Lines served
Specifications
Train length	156 m
Car length	19.5 m
Width	2.74 m
Doors	Sliding doors
Wheel diameter	860 mm (0.86 m)
Wheelbase	2.45 m
Maximum speed	80 kmph
Axle load	20.32 MT
Traction motors	566 kW
Power output	5221 HP
Acceleration	1.1 m/s2
Deceleration	1.3 m/s2
Power supply	750 V DC
HVAC	Non AC, forced ventilation with washed and cooled air
Electric system(s)	Third rail
Current collector(s)	Contact shoe
Bogies	ICF bogie
Braking system(s)	Eddy current and electro-pneumatic brakes
Seating	Longitudinal facing seats
Track gauge	5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian gauge

ICF/NGEF rake

By 1988–90, 9 more rakes manufactured by ICF were procured and put in service when the system expanded. These rakes were tougher and had higher acceleration than the previous ones. The colors of these trains were dark green with a yellow stripe at the bottom, later they were repainted in white with a blue stripe and lastly, they were sky blue with a deep blue band at the bottom. In 2017–18, these were refurbished and put into service in a phased manner. The rakes were marked with 8N symbols. ^{[7] [8] [5]}

ICF/BHEL rake
In service	2010–present
Manufacturer	Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Integral Coach Factory and Knorr-Bremse
Designer	Integral Coach Factory
Assembly	Chennai
Family name	ICF 3000 series
Number built	13
Number in service	13
Successor	4000 series
Design code	Old: ACn/n+1 New: MR-30n
Capacity	3,136 passengers
Operators	Metro Railway, Kolkata
Depots	Noapara depot, Tollygunge depot and New Garia depot
Lines served
Specifications
Doors	Sliding doors
Power supply	750 V DC
HVAC	Air conditioned
Electric system(s)	Third rail
Current collector(s)	Contact shoe
Bogies	ICF bogie
Seating	Longitudinal facing seats
Track gauge	5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian gauge

ICF/BHEL rake

These are the first AC trains that were passed into service in 2010, after the elevated corridor from Mahanayak Uttam Kumar to Kavi Nazrul was completed. Later, as the last extension from Kavi Nazrul to Kavi Subhash was finished, more 3000 series rakes were introduced. These trains are manufactured by ICF in collaboration with BHEL. Presently there are 13 (3000 series) rakes, which are operating on Blue Line. These rakes are numbed ACn/n+1 (where (n+1)/2 is the rake number). The rolling stocks numbers are now being changed to MR-30n (where n is the rake no.; 1, 2, 3....18) as they are being gradually repainted to white and violet. ^[5]

ICF/MEDHA rake
MEDHA metro rake at Dakshineswar metro station
In service	2019–present
Manufacturer	Integral Coach Factory and Medha Servo Drives Private Limited
Designer	Integral Coach Factory
Assembly	Chennai, India
Family name	ICF 4000 series
Number under construction	1
Number built	18
Number in service	18
Formation	2DTC+4MC+2TC
Design code	MR-40n
Capacity	3,520 passengers
Lines served
Specifications
Car length	19.5 m
Width	2.74 m
Height	3.625 m
Doors	Sliding doors
Maximum speed	90 kmph
Traction motors	204 kW / 3 phase
Power output	3264 HP
Acceleration	0.85 m/s2
Deceleration	1.1 m/s2
HVAC	Air conditioned
Current collector(s)	Contact shoe
Bogies	ICF bogie
Braking system(s)	Regenerative braking
Coupling system	Scharfenberg coupler
Seating	Longitudinal facing seats
Track gauge	5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian gauge

ICF/MEDHA rake

2 prototype rakes manufactured by ICF Chennai and Medha and were supplied to Kolkata Metro by September 2017. These trains were extremely snagprone and Kolkata Metro officials took 2 years to fix the snags and to bring these trains into operation. Some of these trains were sent back to ICF during testing phase. These trains are completely different from existing AC trains made by ICF, BHEL, Knorr-Bremse. These trains have 3 phase alternating current motors, regenerative braking, stainless steel body, CCTV cameras (not present in rakes, numbered as MR-401 & MR-402), and better passenger information system. 14 rakes were delivered by April 2021.On 3 April 2019, the first ICF MEDHA rake ran between Noapara and New Garia, after 20 months. Gradually followed by 2 more rakes. After the initial hiccups these trains are praised by passengers for their comfort during braking and acceleration. Metro expressed satisfaction over the performance of the rakes as these rakes are more energy efficient. These rakes are numbed MR-40n (where n is the rake no.; 1, 2, 3....18).Currently, 18 such trains operate on Line-1. The last 3 trains of this type are compatible with both CBTC and the present DTG signalling system, although CBTC is not used on Line-1. ^{[9] [10]}

CRRC Dalian rake
The first rake at Noapara depot
Manufacturer	China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation
Assembly	Dalian, China
Number built	5 [11]
Number in service	3
Design code	MR-50n
Operators	Metro Railway, Kolkata
Lines served
Specifications
Car length	19.5 m
Width	2.74 m
Height	3.65 m
Floor height	1.13 m
Wheel diameter	860 mm
Maximum speed	80 kmph
Axle load	17 tons
Power supply	750 V DC
HVAC	Air conditioned
Electric system(s)	Third rail
Current collector(s)	Contact shoe
Seating	Longitudinal facing seats
Track gauge	5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian gauge
Notes/references
Passenger operation Started on 17th march 2023

CRRC Dalian rake

There was a need to replace non-AC rakes on Blue Line and so during mid 2015 it was announced that Indian Railways for the first time would rope an international train-maker, China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) based in Dalian. ^[12] As per the tender, 14 new rakes composed of 8 coaches each will be supplied to Kolkata metro by CNR Dalian Locomotive company, a subsidiary of CRRC, which will be running on Blue Line. These rakes will be of ultra-modern technology. They will have doors that will be 20 cm (7.9 in) wider than any other metro rails in India. They will have wide vestibules, 2 feet 6 inches (0.76 m) wider than the existing trains. The design consists of the aerodynamic front with large doors and LED lights, and violet colored stripe on silver color body. These rakes are capable of a top speed of 80 km/h (50 mph). The first of the 14 rakes from Chinese firm Dalian was slated to arrive by December 2017 but got delayed due to various reasons. The first rake finally arrived in Kolkata on 3 March 2019 on a vessel at Netaji Subhas Dock (NSD). ^[13] Each of the 8 coaches of the rake weigh nearly 45 tonnes. The rake was unloaded and taken to Noapara carshed after which trial runs and inspection would be carried out before commencing operations. Other 13 rakes are ready, but the shipment got delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

These rakes were under performance trials for more than 20 months as serious problems related to performance of the rake were identified during trials. Some of the issues related to insufficient power to climb up the slopes in the tunnels and higher oscillation in the bogie. ^{[14] [15]}

On 17th March 2023, the first Dalian rake was inducted into service. Another 3 rakes will arrive soon.

Green Line

BEML rake
In service	2020–present
Manufacturer	BEML Limited
Designer	BEML Limited
Assembly	Bengaluru
Order no.	KMRCL/RS (3R)/2016
Built at	BEML Limited
Family name	BEML RS (3R)
Constructed	2016–2020
Entered service	2020–present
Number in service	15
Formation	2 DMC + 2 TC + 2 MC
Design code	MR-60n
Capacity	2,002 passengers
Operators	Metro Railway, Kolkata
Depots	Central Park depot
Lines served
Specifications
Car body construction	Stainless steel
Train length	124.8 m
Car length	20 m
Width	2.88 m
Height	3.84 m
Doors	Sliding doors
Maximum speed	95 kmph
Power supply	750 V DC
HVAC	Air conditioned; Roof mounted ventilation
Current collector(s)	Contact shoe
Braking system(s)	Regenerative and pneumatic brakes
Headlight type	LED based
Seating	Longitudinal facing seats
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

BEML rake

The bidding by the Spanish company CAF for Green Line was cancelled due to funding related problems. Re-bidding was done and BEML was given the contract for 14 rakes of 6 coaches each at a cost of ₹900 crore. Another 3 rakes were ordered in 2022, increasing the total to 17 rakes. ^[16] The rakes are microprocessor controlled with 3 phase AC motors and CBTC system. The rakes were supplied to Kolkata from 2017. ^{[17] [18]} They are numbered MR-60n (where n is the rake no.; 1, 2, 3....17). ^{[19] [20]}

MCF/Dawonsys rake

MCF/Dawonsys rake
Manufacturer	Dawonsys and Modern Coach Factory
Designer	Dawonsys
Assembly	Rae Bareli, India and Gimcheon, South Korea
Constructed	None
Lines served
Specifications
Car body construction	Aluminium
HVAC	Air conditioned
Current collector(s)	Contact shoe
Seating	Longitudinal facing seats
Track gauge	1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge

In 2019, Indian Railways approved the manufacturing of 500 aluminium body coaches at the Modern Coach Factory, in Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh, following the Transfer of Technology from Dawonsys. A prototype of 3 coaches (2 MC + 1 TC) will be received by MCF, and the rest will be built here. These will have a top speed of 100 km/h and life span of 40 years. ^{[21] [22]}

Purple Line

Two sets of ICF MEDHA rakes with the rake numbers MR-417 and MR-418 have been brought to the Joka Depot and are currently operational on Purple Line.

Orange Line

Orange Line between Kavi Subhas and Hemanta Mukhopadhyay station is in operation for public transport from 15.03.2024.

Two sets of ICF MEDHA rakes are also currently operational on Orange Line similar to Purple Line.

Gallery

• 
  ICF MEDHA rake MR-418 During the Inauguration Day of Purple Line at Joka Metro Station

References

1. Chakraborty, 1Ajanta; Gupta, Jayanta (5 February 2020). "8am on Valentine's Day; Your date with East-West Metro". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 February 2020. Retrieved 10 February 2020.
2. "Salient Data on rolling stock". Archived from the original on 6 August 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
3. "Kolkata Metro to get 40 new AC rakes, first of the lot arrives". The Economic Times. PTI. 19 July 2017. Archived from the original on 19 July 2017. Retrieved 1 March 2023.
4. "Rolling Stock" (PDF). 2 May 2020.
5. "First look: your swank AC Metro". Archived from the original on 1 June 2015. Retrieved 30 June 2013.
6. "Metro Railway Kolkata / Indian Railways Portal". 6 August 2013. Archived from the original on 6 August 2013. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
7. 「 Archived 2020-01-27 at the Wayback Machine 」urbantransportnews 12 February 2020
8. "Titagarh Group". 29 September 2019. Archived from the original on 29 September 2019. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
9. Kolkata Metro to run trains at every 90 Seconds on North–South Corridor!, archived from the original on 20 December 2021, retrieved 11 August 2019
10. "Kolkata Metro".
11. https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/kolkata/two-new-metro-rakes-from-china-arrive-in-kolkata-to-be-used-on-north-south-route/cid/2077319
12. Basak, Probal (20 June 2015). "Modern Chinese rakes for Kolkata Metro". Business Standard India. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
13. "Metro rake from China off vessel". www.telegraphindia.com. Archived from the original on 6 March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
14. "印度加尔各答地铁车辆_产品中心_城轨_大连公司". www.crrcgc.cc. Archived from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
15. Gupta, Jayanta (25 June 2020). "Kolkata: With Chinese signal system deal off the table, fate of 13 Dalian Metro rakes hangs in balance". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
16. "Kolkata Metro inks deal with BEML for 3 more rakes initially". www.constructionworld.in. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
17. "Central PSU wins Rs 900-crore Metro rake order – Times of India". Archived from the original on 22 January 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2016.
18. "Tender Award Notice" (PDF).
19. "Rail & Metro Product Brochure" (PDF). bemlindia.in. October 2019. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 July 2020. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
20. "Standard Gauge Metro Car (750V DC)" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 12 August 2019.
21. "South Korea's Dawonsys To Design Aluminium Coaches For Indian Railways At Rae Bareli Plant". India Infra Hub. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
22. "Indian Railways eyes world-class shift in trains with 160 kmph aluminium body coaches; exclusive details". The Financial Express. 17 March 2020. Archived from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.

External links

• Metro Railway, Kolkata