Metro coaches to be sent for repairs

KOLKATA: In its effort to maintain normal services, Metro Railway has decided to send 25 old coaches for major overhaul to a private company in phases.
These coaches were supplied by BHEL several years ago and are nearing the end of their codal life. If the Metro were to scrap them, it would be three rakes short. With 27 rakes, 14 of which are non-air conditioned, Metro runs 274 services on weekdays.This schedule would suffer even if there is a shortage of a single rake.
“A couple of years ago, we took a decision to scrap the oldest coaches in the fleet as they had reached the end of their codal lives. The 25 coaches we have identified for rehabilitation will be able to run for five more years after repairs and overhaul. This procedure will add to safety and reliability . We shall start receiving three-phase ad vanced rakes from ICF , Chennai, after a few months. The 13 rakes from China are expected to start arriving from 2017. We have to maintain regular services till then without compromising on safety and punctuality .In the first phase, seven coaches will be sent to Belghoria where Titagarh Wagons Ltd have their manufacturing unit. They will undertake rehabilitation of these coaches,“ an official said.
The primary job during re habilitation will be to repair and strengthen the `sole bars' of the coaches. These are actually strong metal girders that run along the lower sides of coaches and bear the load. Over time, corrosion sets in and the bars get weak, causing problems for the entire rake. According to the official, other ageing issues will also be addressed during the rehabilitation process. This will help in preventing technical snags once the coaches rejoin service. Over the years, the Kolkata Metro has turned into a very popular mode of transportation and coaches sometimes have to bear loads much beyond their capacity , resulting in additional wear and tear.