Kolkata Metro has embarked on a transformative journey to replace its traditional steel-made third rail with a modern aluminum counterpart. This initiative by Kolkata Metro marks a significant move aimed at enhancing its operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption of its metro trains.
This ambitious initiative commenced on June 13 at Noapara in Baranagar. According to the statement issued by Kolkata Metro, this marks a pivotal moment in the metro’s history, promising substantial benefits across its network.
Kolkata Metro meeting global benchmarks
This step reflects Kolkata Metro’s dedication to meeting global benchmarks set by leading cities such as Singapore, London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul. The motive of this shift is not only to modernise the metro’s infrastructure but also to significantly enhance its energy efficiency and operational performance.
What is an Aluminium Third Rail?
The aluminum third rail enhances efficiency by reducing system voltage drops and consequent energy losses due to its superior electrical conductivity. This improvement allows for faster acceleration of running metros, reducing trip times and enabling increased service frequency during peak hours.
This advancement significantly boosts the overall efficiency of metro operations and results in substantial energy savings, thereby reducing operational costs for the Kolkata Metro. The return on investment for replacing the third rail is anticipated within three years.
The statement also added that the replacement project is scheduled for completion within two years. Aluminum third rails have already been installed along the East-West Metro (Green Line) and the Joka-Taratala stretch of the Purple Line, and they will be incorporated into all future corridors of the Kolkata Metro.
How is Aluminium Third Rail better than Steel Third Rail?
The environmental impact of this upgrade is noteworthy. Over its lifetime, the aluminum third rail is projected to reduce carbon emissions by an estimated 50,000 tons, contributing significantly to Kolkata’s efforts towards a greener future.
“Apart from this, Aluminum Third Rail will require less maintenance and will be highly reliable and stable. In a hot and humid city like Kolkata this replacement will be very much beneficial and inside the tunnel lesser heat will be generated during the time of contact of Third Rail Current Collector (TRCC) with this Third Rail,” the statement said.
“For maintenance work, the new Third Rail will not require any welding as two such rails can be joined with the help of splice joint. It will help to maintain the air quality inside the tunnels,” it added.