- By Deeksha Gour
- Mon, 06 Jan 2025 10:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kolkata Metro: Kolkata Metro Railway is set to complete the replacement of its steel third rail with an aluminium third rail along the down line between Belgachia and Tollygunge (Mahanayak Uttam Kumar) by August 2025. This upgrade aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce operational costs for the Metro system.
According to the News 18 report, the third rail is crucial as it supplies power to the Metro trains. The new aluminium rail system is expected to save a significant amount of energy, which will contribute to lower operational expenses. The replacement process has already been completed over a stretch of approximately 4 km between Shyambazar and Central stations on the down line.
As of December 2024, around 3,500 metres of the third rail had been replaced, with plans to change approximately 4,000 metres each month to meet the August 2025 deadline for the entire underground section.
Initially, the replacement work was conducted on Saturday nights using power blocks, but the Metro Railway has now expanded operations to weekdays while ensuring safety precautions are in place.
The switch to aluminium will minimise voltage drops and energy losses due to its superior conductivity. This improvement will enable faster acceleration for trains, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
The investment in the new third rail is projected to pay off within three years through the savings achieved in operational costs. Moreover, the aluminium third rail is anticipated to reduce carbon emissions by around 50,000 tons over its lifespan.