12 Kolkata: The two new Dalian rakes, which arrived in the city from China in Jan, started operations on the North-South corridor on Friday. With these two, Metro fleet's Dalian strength rises to five.
Both the eight-coach rakes, to be used for broad-gauge lines, were checked for safety by EIG (electrical inspector to the govt) on Thursday. The new rakes, MR-504 and MR-512, started from Noapara at 11.58 am and 12.35 pm, reaching New Garia (Kavi Subhash) station at 12.56 pm and 1.39 pm. The return journeys from Kavi Subhash began at 1.01pm and 1.41pm. The trains reached the Blue Line's other terminal station at Dakshineswar at 2.05 pm and 2.45 pm.
"Passengers don't feel the jolt and are safer under CCTV coverage. The trains have modular and wider vestibules, added seats for senior citizens and people with disabilities," said a metro official. "Among technical features are rainwater channels, paint-free stainless steel car body, improved door channel with side stopper, and enhanced safety features."
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