The East-West Metro, Kolkata’s eminent Line 2, popularly known as the Green Line, is poised for substantial expansion, with plans to bolster its fleet with 11 additional high-end rakes within the next two years.
According to officials from BEML, the strategic move aims to fortify the metro network’s operational capabilities and meet burgeoning passenger demands. Currently, the East-West Metro boasts a fleet of 14 cutting-edge BEML-manufactured rakes, signalling a commitment to modernisation and efficiency. The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC), the project’s implementing agency, recently placed an order for three more rakes in December 2021, slated for delivery between June and August this year.
The impending arrival of these new rakes underscores KMRC’s relentless pursuit of enhancing service quality and passenger experience. The integration of state-of-the-art propulsion systems, including traction motors and advanced train control management systems, further underscores the commitment to technological innovation and operational excellence. With plans to order an additional four rakes and discussions underway for another four, KMRC remains at the forefront of ushering in a new era of metro transportation in Kolkata. The ambitious vision to expand the East-West Metro’s fleet aligns with the city’s evolving urban landscape and growing commuter needs.
Moreover, BEML’s potential collaboration with the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai holds promise for the manufacturing of futuristic rakes tailored to suit Kolkata’s metro corridors. As the city’s metro infrastructure evolves, with newer lines adopting standard gauge configurations, the demand for efficient and standardised rolling stock becomes paramount. While the focus remains on expanding the East-West Metro’s fleet, parallel efforts are underway to enhance metro infrastructure across other corridors in Kolkata. The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), responsible for implementing several metro projects in the city, has ordered 57 rakes, presenting BEML with ample opportunities to competitively bid for supplying advanced rolling stock. The East-West Metro’s ambitious expansion plans underscore a concerted effort to elevate Kolkata’s metro network to world-class standards, catering to the city’s growing urban population and fostering sustainable mobility solutions for the future.
