ENERGY EFFICIENT BHEL RAKE RECOMMISSIONED
10TH DALIAN RAKE INTRODUCED FOR COMMERCIAL SERVICE
Kolkata, Date: 30.01.2026
Metro Railway, Kolkata, has added a new chapter in its glorious annals of 41 years as the IGBT-Based DC-DC Chopper Propulsion System-driven BHEL rake (MR-301) was flagged off today, i.e., on 30.01.2026, from Noapara Carshed. This air-conditioned rake earlier had no capability of regeneration and was not compatible with the CBTC signalling system. But after fitting with the DC-DC Chopper Propulsion System, this rake can be operated with the CBTC signal. It is a historical achievement as for the first time, such a propulsion system has been developed for Metro rakes indigenously. Such 100% indigenous development of DC-DC Chopper Propulsion System is in line with the ‘Make in India’ policy, which will also help to get rid of failure-prone components and thereby aim to provide improved services.
For operating each rake fitted with this improved energy-efficient propulsion system, Rs. 35.62 lakhs per rake will be saved per year, which will lead to a reduction of 365 MT carbon footprint per rake per year. Once all remaining BHEL rakes are fitted with this improved propulsion system, Metro will be able to save Rs. 4.63 Cr. per year on the energy bill and reduce 4745 MT carbon footprint.
Under the guidance of IIT Kharagpur Professors, Metro Railway Rolling Stock officials were able to achieve this. Shri Subhransu. S. Mishra, General Manager, Metro Railway, has congratulated all the officials and staff associated with this project for its successful implementation. He appreciated the professors of IIT Kharagpur for such an indigenous technical achievement.
Apart from this, the General Manager also flagged off the 10th Dalian Rake (MR-503) today for commercial service. This Dalian rake is provided with user-friendly features especially for differently-abled persons and senior citizens.
President MRWWO, other office bearers, and members of MRWWO were present during this programme
