Mumbai, July 13 -- Kolkata Metro is likely to receive 14 new-generation rakes in the financial year 2026-27 to bolster passenger capacity, officials have indicated. The addition of these rakes is intended to augment services on busy corridors and ease crowding during peak hours. The plan forms part of wider efforts to modernise rolling stock and improve commuter experience, and the procurement timeline targets delivery within the stated financial year. Officials indicated the rakes aim to improve service frequency and reduce crowding across busy routes, while details on supplier contracts and exact deployment schedules have not been disclosed.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Metro has commenced replacement of the escalator NJ 3260 that links the mezzanine level to the surface gate at Netaji Bhavan station on the Blue Line. The escalator service will be unavailable to commuters from nine July 2026 until the new escalator is commissioned. Station staff will keep the adjacent stairs open for commuter use throughout the works and signage will direct passengers to alternate circulation routes. Commuters are being advised to allow additional time for entry and exit at the station.
The authority indicated the replacement work is expected to be completed in six weeks, subject to commissioning and safety checks. Maintenance teams will carry out testing and integration once the new equipment is installed to ensure operational readiness before the service resumes. Commuters are being asked to follow station staff instructions for safe movement. Passengers are being advised to use alternative gates and allow extra time during the period of works.
The fleet expansion and station upgrades reflect an ongoing focus on capacity enhancement and passenger convenience across the network. Officials have framed the measures as complementary, noting that new rakes combined with targeted infrastructure renewals are designed to reduce congestion and improve reliability. Commuters and stakeholders will be briefed further as procurement and installation milestones are reached. Authorities plan to provide updates through official channels.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.