Kolkata: The Kolkata Metro is set to introduce a new anti-drag technology in the doors of all trains in its existing fleet.
This technology enables a force to be applied on the doors if, by accident, any part of the dress or other item gets stuck in the doors and the train starts. The train then automatically applies the emergency brakes and stops.
This technology will prevent a person from getting trapped and being dragged by the closing doors.
The first batch of trains equipped with the system is expected to be ready for the Blue Line by July next year.
A German manufacturer of braking systems for Rail has built the system. This company will retrofit existing Metro trains with that feature.
The anti-drag technology has undergone a trial in the Delhi Metro. The existing trains in the Kolkata Metro have to be retrofitted with the system.
The Railway Board has sanctioned the inclusion of anti-drag features in all the rakes available with the Kolkata Metro Blue Line. A tender will be floated shortly on this.
The Integral Coach Factory (ICF) has been advised to include three features in all upcoming rakes fitted with thr communications-based train control system (CBTC).
The ICF is taking necessary action so that CBTC rakes are provided with anti-drag features from day one.
The censor-based obstruction detection mechanism currently working for something stuck inside the train is often not enough for the safety of a passenger stuck on the platform.
