The Chinese-made Dalian rakes – which arrived in Kolkata more than three years ago – are set to undergo essential speed and balance tests before thirteen more such rakes are imported and inducted into the Metro Railway’s current fleet. The Chinese rake will be declared fit for industrial operations only after it passes the oscillations which check the lateral movement of the train as it turns at 80kmph.
The eight-coach prototype of the Dalian rake, manufactured by CNR Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co, has undergone a series of tests at the Noapara depot since its arrival on March 3, 2019.
After the rake failed to meet certain parameters, a team of Chinese technocrats came to town to make fundamental adjustments. But they had to come back after the pandemic hit in March 2020. The team stepped back this year to deal with the issues.
The Lucknow-based Research Design and Standard Operation (RDSO), which is the Indian Railways branch that oversees security requirements of any new rake or Metro line, will quickly be conducting oscillation trials. “The Dalian rake will with any luck pass the oscillation trials to be carried out someday this month. Based on the RDSO’s report, the Railway Board will be in a role to take a name on paying for the more rakes from China. The rake will also require a fitness certificates from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), the self reliant body under the ministry of civil aviation,” a Metro Railway professional said.
