Kolkata Metro Advances with Aluminium Third Rail Upgrade

Kolkata Metro Railway has successfully replaced steel third rails with advanced aluminium alternatives in a groundbreaking modernization project. This initiative marks a significant leap in energy efficiency and sustainability. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The upgrade targets the Blue Line, which runs 32 kilometers from Dakshineshwar to New Garia, aligning with India’s green energy goals. By adopting aluminium third rails, the system significantly reduces operational costs, boosts efficiency, and contributes to sustainable urban transportation. The transition underscores the metro’s role as a key player in the nation’s push toward eco-friendly infrastructure.

Enhanced Safety and Efficiency with Kolkata Metro’s Aluminium Rails

On November 30, 2024, the project entered its third phase, focusing on the Girish Park to Central stretch, including Mahatma Gandhi Road station.

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A team led by Shri Sumit Kayal and Senior Section Engineer Abhishek Sinha worked overnight to replace 700 meters of steel rail. Their efforts ensured uninterrupted metro service during peak hours, with enhanced precision and safety for the new system. The seamless installation marks a critical step forward in the metro’s modernization journey.

Kolkata Metro Sets Standards for Green Urban Transit

Kolkata Metro’s aluminium rail upgrade aligns with standards set by world-class metro systems in cities like London, Berlin, and Singapore. Metro Railway CPRO Kausik Mitra stated, “In its 40th year, Kolkata Metro joins the hi-tech club by replacing steel rails with aluminium. This shift will dramatically improve metro operations and passenger experience.”

The superior electrical conductivity of aluminium is a game-changer, with 38 million siemens per meter compared to steel’s 6 million. This significant upgrade ensures better energy efficiency, reduces voltage drops, and accelerates trains faster, leading to substantial cost savings within five years. Additionally, the move is projected to cut carbon emissions by 50,000 tonnes over the system’s lifespan, highlighting its environmental impact.

The safety improvements introduced by aluminium rails further solidify the project’s value. Unlike steel, which requires welding, aluminium rails use splice joints to minimize fire risks and improve air quality inside metro tunnels. These enhancements promise a safer, more reliable experience for passengers and demonstrate the metro’s dedication to innovation and passenger safety.

The metro awarded the contract to a German company with extensive expertise in manufacturing and installing aluminium third rails for over 20 major metro systems. This partnership ensures the highest quality and reliability for Kolkata’s ongoing upgrades. The full project is expected to conclude within two years, setting a benchmark for future metro developments in India.

Aluminium third rails have already been successfully deployed on the East-West Metro’s Green Line and the Purple Line’s Joka-Taratala stretch. This technology will also be incorporated into upcoming metro corridors, ensuring Kolkata’s metro remains at the forefront of modern urban transit solutions. The comprehensive adoption of aluminium rails signifies a transformative step toward efficient, eco-friendly, and commuter-friendly metro systems.

The meticulous planning and execution of this project demonstrate Kolkata Metro’s dedication to modernization and sustainability. With aluminium rails’ reduced maintenance needs and longer lifespan, the metro is poised to achieve unmatched operational efficiency. This pioneering effort reaffirms Kolkata Metro’s status as a leader in urban transportation innovation.

Photo, source: www.alcircle.com

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