KOLKATA: Metro trains are running slightly late as the speed of rakes is slow for commissioning of the rail grinder machine (RGM) on the tracks of the North-South Metro to remove corrugations and ensure smoother ride.
Simultaneously, wheel-turning of rakes are being done to address wear and tear of wheels. Officials said the procedure should take four or five days after which trains will be on time.
At least 30% of the 31km Kavi Subhas-Dakshineswar corridor is curvaceous. Officials said motormen had lately been complaining of certain sounds in the Metro rakes and alerted engineers. That’s when Metro Railway authorities decided to initiate rail grinding and turning of the wheels of at least seven AC rakes for better functioning and smoother rides. “Even as the grinding is being done at night, after taking power blocks for the tracks, as a precaution, trains are running slow,” a Metro spokesperson said.
He said, “The RGM has been supplied by USA’s Harsco Corporation. Rail grinding benefits include reduced wear on rolling stock, extended rail life, reduced surfacing cycles, extended track component life, increased train speeds and improved ride quality and passenger comfort.
