Kolkata Metro is embarking on a major upgrade with the replacement of its steel third rail with a more efficient aluminum third rail. This significant change, occurring after 39 years, will enhance both energy efficiency and operational performance across the metro network.
Enhanced Efficiency and Energy Savings
The new aluminum rail promises an 84% reduction in energy loss, resulting in annual savings of Rs. 1 crore per kilometer. By adopting this advanced technology, Kolkata Metro will join the elite group of global metro systems in cities like Singapore, London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul. The plan includes introducing 35 kilometers of aluminum third rail over the next two years.
Preparatory work at Girish Park is complete, and installation of the aluminum third rail will commence on the night of September 7, 2024, after commercial hours to minimize disruption. Approximately 200 meters of the old steel rail will be replaced. The new system will use high-strength M65 grade concrete for the foundations, a first for Kolkata Metro, ensuring better durability and performance.
The aluminum rail’s superior conductivity will reduce voltage drops, leading to faster acceleration and more frequent metro services. The energy savings are expected to offset the replacement costs within three years, and the new system will cut carbon emissions by 50,000 tons over its lifetime. Additionally, aluminum rails will require less maintenance and generate less heat, improving air quality inside the tunnels and reducing operational challenges in Kolkata’s hot and humid climate.