The official also stated that these new-generation rakes will be equipped with three-phase AC motors and automatic sliding doors. The rakes will have a design speed of 90 kmph and an operational speed of 80 kmph.

Last month, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the induction of 60 new-generation metro rakes to modernise the Kolkata Metro network over the next four to five years. He highlighted the rapid expansion and ongoing modernisation of the country’s oldest metro system.

In the Kolkata Metro, the rakes are uniquely designed and not available anywhere else in the world. The bogie-wheel set is designed for Broad Gauge, while the coach body (shell) is based on a Meter Gauge configuration.

The ICF also manufactured the first 18 rakes of Kolkata Metro. However, these non-AC Metro rakes, equipped with a DC propulsion system, are no longer in service as they have completed their codal life.

Later, between 2010 and 2013, following the extension of the Kolkata Metro corridor from Tollygunge to Kavi Subhas, the ICF manufactured 13 AC rakes. These rakes were equipped with a DC propulsion system supplied by BHEL.

Kolkata Metro to replace Mezzanine-to-Surface escalator at Netaji Bhavan station

Meanwhile, Kolkata Metro has begun the replacement of the escalator (NJ 3260) connecting the mezzanine level to the surface gate (Jadubabu Bazar Gate) at Netaji Bhavan Metro station on the Blue Line. Due to replacement work, the escalator service will remain unavailable to commuters from July 9, 2026, until the new escalator is commissioned.

“As a result, this escalator service for commuters will be stopped from 09.07.2026 until a new escalator is commissioned. This work is expected to be completed in six weeks (approximately). However, the stairs alongside the said escalator will remain open for commuters’ use,” it said in a statement.