Metro Railway Upgrades Third Rail to Enhance Energy Efficiency and Improve Train Frequency
Kolkata’s Metro Railway system is embarking on a major upgrade on its oldest corridor, the Blue Line, to improve energy efficiency and significantly enhance train frequency. The focus of this upgrade is to replace the existing third rail, which supplies power to the trains, with a more advanced aluminium version. This switch is expected to not only facilitate faster train acceleration but also reduce energy loss and carbon emissions.
Aluminium Third Rail to Boost Energy Efficiency
The decision to replace the current steel third rail with an aluminium one comes after a thorough analysis conducted by Metro Railway officials. According to these experts, aluminium is a more efficient conductor of electricity when compared to steel. As a result, the replacement of the third rail with its aluminium counterpart is anticipated to minimize system voltage drops and reduce energy losses significantly.
By upgrading to the aluminium third rail, Metro Railway aims to achieve an impressive reduction of 84 percent in energy loss. This substantial reduction equates to an approximate annual saving of Rs 10 million per kilometre. Additionally, this upgrade will contribute significantly to the environment by cutting down carbon emissions by an estimated 50,000 tons over the lifetime of the aluminium third rail.
Phased Replacement and Preparatory Work Underway
To ensure minimal disruption to daily operations, the replacement of the third rail will be carried out in phases. Currently, the preparatory work has started at Maidan and Girish Park stations during the non-operation hours.
The main components for the aluminium third rail have been shipped from Hamburg, Germany, and have already arrived in Calcutta. The materials are expected to reach the installation sites shortly. This batch of materials will cover approximately 5 kilometers of work. The Metro Railway authority hopes to complete the replacement process on the entire 35-kilometer Blue Line in the next two years.
Improved Train Frequency and Rush-hour Services
With the completion of the aluminium third rail installation, Metro Railway expects a remarkable improvement in train frequency. During the rush hours, where train intervals are currently around five minutes, the new system may be able to achieve intervals as short as two-and-a-half minutes. This improvement is expected to ease overcrowding during peak times and provide a more efficient and convenient commuting experience for passengers.
In order to fully realize the benefits of a bolstered train frequency, Metro Railway authorities acknowledge the need for additional electrical substations. These substations provide the necessary power supply to the third rail. Therefore, a strategic plan to deploy more substations will be developed as part of the overall enhancement project.
Witnessing Kolkata’s Metro overtime
Kolkata, known for its rich cultural heritage, has witnessed the development and growth of the Metro Railway system over time. From its humble beginnings, the Metro has transformed into a lifeline for the city, providing a swift and efficient mode of transport for millions of daily commuters.
The progressive step of upgrading the third rail on the Blue Line corridor demonstrates Metro Railway’s commitment to continuously improving its services. Not only will this upgrade enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, but it will also significantly boost train frequency, ultimately benefiting the people of Kolkata by making their daily commutes faster, smoother, and more reliable.
Moving forward with its plans to bring urban transportation to the next level, Metro Railway is paving the way for a more sustainable and interconnected Kolkata. As the city embraces these advancements in the world of rail transport, residents and visitors can look forward to a future with a Metro system that continues to excel in providing convenient and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.
