New Metro Trains in London Delayed Due to Technical and Construction Challenges. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

New Metro Trains in London
Photo: Transport for London

New metro trains in London are delayed again because of technical issues and unfinished depot construction. These problems slow modernization plans and cause inconvenience for passengers relying on the transport system.

New Metro Trains in London to Improve Capacity and Efficiency

CAF has delivered 40 out of the 54 new trains ordered by Transport for London (TfL). Of these, 32 will replace the outdated B92 series, which has operated for more than 30 years.

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The remaining 22 trains will expand the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) fleet, increasing its capacity by 30%. This upgrade is vital for meeting the needs of London’s growing number of commuters and visitors.

Challenges in Constructing the New Beckton Depot

TfL began work on expanding the Beckton depot to accommodate the new metro trains in London. However, the contractor, BGCL, declared bankruptcy during the project, causing significant delays to construction progress.

Currently, depot construction is incomplete, which prevents the deployment of the new trains. In addition, DLR encountered signal system problems in September, which must be resolved before the trains can operate.

Testing Requirements for the New Metro Trains in London

To gain operational approval, each train must complete a minimum of 20,000 kilometers of test runs. Until these safety conditions are met, the new metro trains in London cannot begin passenger service.

The new trains, ordered in 2019, feature five carriages and a total capacity of 790 passengers. This includes 156 seats, providing greater comfort and efficiency compared to the aging fleet currently in use.

When Will Improvements Happen?

TfL is actively working to resolve signal system issues and complete the depot construction as quickly as possible. The new metro trains in London will improve the quality of transport and reduce the strain on outdated trains.

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