DMRC refurbishing 130 escalators at 15-yr mark to avert mid-life crisis

New Delhi: Delhi Metro is overhauling 130 escalators, which have completed 15 years of service, in a phased manner. Another 130 such escalators that have completed their midlife will be overhauled in the second phase, followed by work on those installed during Delhi Metro's Phase I and II expansions.Though the machines have a design life of 30 years, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation said it follows stringent international standards, including those of London Underground, Tokyo Metro and Singapore MRT, when it comes to maintaining them.
Work on escalators in stations like Akshardham, Mayur Vihar Phase I, Mayur Vihar Extension, New Ashok Nagar and Noida Sector 15 on the Blue Line have been recently completed.Routine or preventive maintenance involves planned servicing activities, which are carried out on a monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual basis. "In contrast, mid-life overhauling involves extensive inspection of an escalator; dismantling its major components; replacement of step chains, axles, profiles, floor plates, and rollers; system recalibration and load testing, a metro official said.The aim is to enhance passenger experience and safety, restore performance, reduce the chance of sudden breakdown and extend the service life of the machines so that they last 30 years. A complete overhaul generally takes 45 days, but Delhi metro usually needs around 15 days, the official said.To minimise inconvenience to commuters, the overhauling is being planned in phases, ensuring that work on only one escalator at a station is taken up at a time. "This information is communicated to commuters through temporary hoardings and signage at stations. In addition, adequate alternative routes, such as lifts, staircases and parallel escalators, are drawn up, wherever available," said the official.