Trial Runs Begin on Kolkata Metro’s Dakshineswar Extension
Earlier today ‘Metro Railway, Kolkata’ – the operator of Kolkata Metro’s 28.14 km Line-1 began trial runs (train testing) on the city’s new 4.11 km Noapara – Dakshineswar section which will extend services northward through 2 new stations.
Engineers manually operated a 8-coach Medha train-set and primarily observed the train’s interaction with the civil structure to ensure there are no physical obstructions along the way. In the coming weeks various subsystems along with the train’s response to being operated at different speeds & braking, and the behavior of the track system and third rail system will be monitored.
This mostly elevated section’s construction contract was awarded in February 2011 to CCCL – SAM India (JV) with a value of Rs. 199.87 crore and 30 month deadline. After abandoning works due to encroachments at Baranagar, in which 148 people were rehabilitated in 2016, Simplex Infrastructure completed the remaining / balance work. See Sajal Kumar Das’ comment in the comments section below for a more detailed insight.
The 2 new stations on this extension are named Baranagar and Dakshineswar:
The line’s 750 V DC Third Rail system was energized on November 30. The system is equipped with Siemens’ Train Protection and Warning System (TPWS) which is based on the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level-1.
Couple nice videos on YouTube
Testing is expected to take about 2 months to complete following which the line will be inspected by the Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety (CMRS). Both stations are ready for operations, so once certified fit, the line should open up fairly quickly if no major defects in the systems are found.
When this extension becomes operational, the existing 28.14 km north-south Line-1, currently connecting Noapara with New Garia (Kavi Subhash), will become 32.25 km long.
For more updates, check out the Kolkata section of The Metro Rail Guy!
– TMRG
Medha Train sets are quite beautiful, wonder why don’t they bid for other metro projects ?
Cccl abandoned works completed by simplex!
Thanks – have included a blurb on Simplex’s role
Rahee Infratech has done the Ballastless track work and all civil work in embankment area. Work has been done using Pandrol Fastenings. Apart from regular Insitu ballastless track work, the section also includes BLT – IFS technology using concrete over pre cast sleepers as a ballastless track technology for the first time on Indian Main line.
VMI PLASTIC PVT LTD has got the great privilege to supply Sunlite Polycarbonate Sheet at both the station.
very good news, indeed. but the hint that it will take more than two months to start normal running of metro on the added stretch is a damper for sure.
One of my industry friends indicates CMRS’ inspection could happen as soon as mid-January. Let’s see how this plays out…
CCCL-SAM Jv had only carried out a minuscule portion of the whole work including some pile Fondation, few substructure, some embankment filling and erecrion of few I girder spans. Entire balance work of viaduct, embankment, diversion of belghoria expressway, construction of new Dunlop Bridge, complete station building works including, roof structure, sheeting, architectural, E&M, ventilation works apart from entire fire fighting works of the viaduct and the stations have been carried out by Simplex. Most challenging part was to complete works at 27 nos pier locations at Noapara upon removal of several hutments and taking up works in canal, over railway tracks etc. With the active assistance in all forms and administrative support from RVNL apart from local administrative support, Simplex could complete this extremely challenging work quite successfully, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Moreover, it is to be noted that this type of metro project is quite unique, given its location, structural configurations, especially at both the station locations and the challenges encountered during physical execution. Before getting terminated the CCCL Jv could bill to the tune of 30 to 40 crore, whereas, Simplex work done value would be around 345 crore upon handing over of works.
Thanks for sharing! I’ve added a note in the post above to refer to your comment for a more detailed insight.
Simplex has really done the major difficult job in this sector . Had this job been assigned to any other infrastructure company by RVNL this would have been a mess especially without disturbing the B.T.Road traffic movement how silently the entire job has been finished at Dunlop Bridge crossing near Baranagar Metro Station the busiest traffic intersection of North Kolkata. Thanks to Simplex team and specially to Mr. Sajal Kumar Ghosh for the detail story of Simplex scope of work.