The Kolkata Metro has introduced a new Dalian rake on its north-south corridor, marking a significant enhancement in commuter comfort and convenience. The upgraded rake, designated as MR-513, began operations on 5th August, departing from Dum Dum station at 12:06 PM and returning from Kavi Subhash at 1:00 PM. This latest addition to the metro fleet offers a range of advanced features, promising a superior travel experience for the city’s daily commuters.
Among the notable improvements in the new Dalian rake are the wider doors, now 100 mm broader, which facilitate easier boarding and alighting, especially during peak hours. The rake also boasts an increased seating capacity, accommodating more passengers comfortably. An upgraded air conditioning system, featuring an advanced air diffuser, ensures a consistently pleasant climate within the carriages, enhancing passenger comfort even during the city’s hot and humid seasons. In addition to these comfort-focused upgrades, the new rake incorporates several safety and accessibility features. It includes a modern alarm system equipped with an external indication lamp for emergencies, as well as brighter, multi-colour, multi-lingual display boards that provide clear information in real time. The uniform illumination across the rake further enhances safety, while designated wheelchair parking facilities and handrails by the doors make the service more accessible to differently-abled passengers. The incorporation of noise reduction technologies also contributes to a quieter and more tranquil journey, reducing the stress of daily commutes.
This introduction of the Dalian rake is part of a broader initiative to modernise Kolkata’s metro system. The first Dalian rake has been in service since the previous year, with two additional rakes arriving at the Noapara shed on 26th May. One of these new rakes joined the operational fleet on 5th August, and eleven more are expected to be introduced over the next year, progressively enhancing the metro’s capacity and service quality. The arrival of the new Dalian rake has already had a positive impact on ridership. On its inaugural day, metro authorities reported a 50% increase in the number of passengers on the New Garia (Kavi Subhash)-Ruby Crossing (Hemanta Mukhopadhyay) route. This surge is attributed to the enhanced features and services offered by the new rake, indicating a favourable response from the public. As the Kolkata Metro continues to roll out these advanced rakes, passengers can look forward to a more comfortable and efficient travel experience in the city.
