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The ship – about 110 metres long and 20 metres wide carried 48 coaches, enough to assemble six full rakes. From the port, the new arrival will be hauled by a special diesel engine.
From Dalian to the Hooghly: How Chinese Coaches Are Steering Kolkata’s Metro Future
Kolkata wakes early to the clang of trams, the murmur of tea stalls, and the long hiss of the Hooghly tide. Change rarely announces itself here; it drifts in like mist over Howrah Bridge. Yet now and then, something new slips into that familiar rhythm, hinting at a subtle but important shift in how the city moves.
This week, one such change docked at Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. A gleaming metro rake, built at the historic Dalian Locomotive Factory in China, reached the city aboard the MV Spring Sign from Singapore.
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The ship – about 110 metres long and 20 metres wide carried 48 coaches, enough to assemble six full rakes. From the port, the new arrival will be hauled by a special diesel engine to the Noapara car shed for thorough testing before passengers step aboard.
Years in the Making
Kolkata Metro first planned to deploy these Chinese rakes before the pandemic, but global disruptions slowed the import. The very first Dalian rake landed back in 2019, but it wasn’t until March 2023 that one entered commercial service on the North–South corridor. Five such rakes already run daily, and the latest shipment signals that the long-delayed fleet expansion is finally gathering pace.
The Dalian coaches bring a noticeable upgrade in comfort and safety. Wider doors that are100 millimetres broader than current AC rakes allow faster boarding and reduce the crush during rush hour. Spacious vestibules provide extra standing room, while a dedicated wheelchair zone makes travel easier for passengers with mobility needs.
Inside, an advanced air-conditioning system keeps temperatures steady, and noise-reduction technology softens the constant clatter of underground travel. Air diffusers distribute cool air evenly, and clear exit indicators help during peak crowds or emergencies.
Built-In Safety
These rakes also raise the bar on safety. Anti-skid rubber flooring reduces the risk of slips, a modern disc-brake system ensures quick stops, and built-in fire extinguishers stand ready. Large evacuation doors make emergency exits faster and more orderly, a crucial detail for a high-density metro network.
For a city that depends on its metro to cut through traffic snarls and monsoon chaos, each new rake is more than just another train. It represents cleaner, more reliable public transport and the promise of smoother commutes for thousands. With every Dalian addition, Kolkata Metro inches closer to a modern network that matches the city’s growing population and appetite for efficient travel.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 12, 2025, 14:07 IST
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