Kolkata Metro successfully replaced the steel third rail at Maidan siding with a more efficient aluminum third rail on the night of September 14, 2024. Spanning 200 meters, this critical upgrade is part of an ongoing project to improve the performance of the North-South Metro (Blue Line). The replacement follows similar work at Girish Park siding, completed on September 7, 2024.
Overcoming Challenges at Maidan Siding
The Maidan siding presented unique challenges due to its curvature, requiring precise alignment to ensure a proper power connection between the aluminum third rail and the trains. The work had to be completed overnight to prevent any disruption to morning services.
The replacement process was meticulously planned, involving the creation of new pedestals made from high-quality M65 pre-mix concrete. After commercial hours, the steel rails were dismantled, and the new aluminum rails were installed on GRP insulators. The team, consisting of 50 staff led by Deputy Chief Electrical Engineer Sumit Kayal, successfully completed the work before 5:00 AM, ensuring smooth metro operations.
The switch to aluminum rails is expected to reduce energy losses due to aluminum’s superior electrical conductivity, which will help achieve faster acceleration for the trains. This upgrade will improve operational efficiency and reduce costs, with savings potentially recovering the replacement expenses within three years. Additionally, the aluminum rails will reduce carbon emissions by 50,000 tons over their lifetime, require less maintenance, and generate less heat in the tunnels, benefiting the overall metro system.