In the first ever kind of an exercise, the Delhi Metro has successfully completed the mid-life refurbishment work of the first train which was introduced into service in 2007. DMRC’s Managing Director, Dr. Mangu Singh unveiled the first such train at the Yamuna Bank depot today.
- This endeavor is part of a special drive undertaken by DMRC to refurbish all the 70 Metro trains which were procured by DMRC in its Phase-I between 2002 and 2007 and have already completed 14 to 19 years of their overall 30-year life span.
- As part of this mid-life refurbishment, the trains are being retrofitted/modified with many new features in order to bring them at par with the rest of the trains which were subsequently introduced into service in DMRC’s Phase-II and III expansions.
The major works which are being undertaken through this refurbishment drive include:-
Floor Retrofitment:
- Condition of the floors had started showing signs of deterioration such as cracks, bulging, and uneven surfaces at various locations.
- This also resulted in passengers’ complaints about uneven surface, ankle tilting as well as poor aesthetic look inside the coaches.
- This floor has now been replaced by modern fiber composite boards in order to enhance passenger safety, comfort as well as better aesthetic look inside coaches.
Saloon and Cabin Interior Panels Repainting:
- There have been several paint peels off, scratches & dents in the train interior as well as Cab head mask.
- Under the retrofit works all these blemishes are being attended to by repainting the inside walls & ceilings of passenger areas, driver’s cab area and front mask of trains.
Electrical Panels:
- Continuous modifications affecting improvements is a regular activity in DMRC.
- Due to such endeavors over the years, a number of additional connectors had to be provided in the electrical panels which eventually resulted in lesser reliability.
- The makeshift arrangement had to be addressed and in addition the relays used in the electrical panels were of non-sealed type which required continuous maintenance.
- Now these electrical panels have been upgraded with new sealed type relays increasing the reliability of trains at par with the trains purchased by DMRC recently.
LCD Based Dynamic Route Map:
- Earlier only static sticker-based route Maps were available in the trains.
- Now 50% of static route maps will be converted to LCD based dynamic route maps staggered throughout the train giving dynamic live information to the passengers.
CCTV Surveillance System:
- This feature is added in these trains for the first time.
- CCTV coverage will give better monitoring and security to the passengers.
- Catenary Camera is provided to monitor Overhead High-tension lines.
- Platform Cameras on both sides of trains are also provided in alternate cars to give rearview of Platforms to the train Operator.
Fire Detection System:
- This feature is also added in these trains for the first time enhancing the safety of Passengers.
- In case of any heat increase or smoke generation, this system will raise an alarm to the train operator and make the HVACs run on Emergency Ventilation mode.
Mobile and Laptop Charging Sockets:
- Mobile and Laptop charging sockets will be provided under this retrofitment work near two seaters in each car for the convenience of Passengers.
- Initially, seven train sets in DMRC’s Yamuna Bank Depot and three train sets in Shastri Park Depot are being refurbished by a consortium of M/s Escorts Limited Railway Equipment Division and M/s Naledi Rail Engineering (Pty) Ltd.
- All these ten trains are expected to be fully refurbished by September 2022.
- In addition, tender work is also in progress for taking up the refurbishment work of the remaining 60 trainsets on similar lines.
Additional Information:
Periodic Overhauling (POH) Schedule for Trains:
- All Metro trains (over 350 at present) undergo periodical preventive checks for their world-class upkeep which is carried out at the respective maintenance depots/workshops on all Lines.
- These checks known as “Preventive Maintenance Checks” are classified as:-
- 72 Hrs Daily Check: This check is mandatory once in three days for all the trains, which are scheduled to come out of the depot for revenue service and is carried out by the maintenance staff of Rolling Stock. It is ensured through this check that all the systems like ACs, lights, TIMS, Brakes, PA system, Doors etc. are in safe working condition and if any kind of anomaly is observed in their working then the train is held up in the depot for detailed check up.
- A- Check: Takes place after 15 days in general. It involves routine visual inspection of all systems like Pantograph, traction motors, wheels, suspension system, cab equipment etc.
- B-1 Check: After every 45 days or 15000 KM, whichever is earlier. This involves checking mounting of all equipment and tightening of all the nuts and bolts of the various gadgets fitted in the train, if required. Also, thorough inspection of all the under gear mounted items is carried out for any abnormality.
- B- 4 Check: After every 6-month or 60000 KM. It involves the cleaning of AC coils, wax policing of the interiors of the trains, checking of leakage from any of the equipment, topping up of lubricants etc.
- B-8 Check: one year or 120000 KM. It involves a rigorous checking of the train and the train is even kept in the workshop for sme time if it requires some parts to be replaced/to be readjusted etc. Generally, major consumables like oil/grease/brake blocks etc. are replaced during the schedule.
- C-1 Check: more than 4 lakh kilometer. In-situ overhauling of key systems, through inspection and testing of all safety systems, major cleaning of equipment and interiors, etc., is carried out. It takes 5-6 working days.
- C-2 Check: Taken after every 8 years and includes overhaul of mechanical, pneumatic & electrical aspects. It takes 10-12 working days.
This present Refurbishment exercise is known as ‘mid term rehabilitation’ which comes at around 15 years, half of the design life of a coach/train which is 30 years.
Source: DMRC-Press Release
