Aluminium 3rd rail to make N-S Metro energy-efficient
Times of India | 8 September 2024
Kolkata: Metro on Saturday started replacing the existing steel-made third rail on the North-South line with the superior, energy-efficient aluminium one. This will ensure 84% reduction in energy loss, which runs up to Rs 1 crore a year per km of the 35-km corridor.
The ground work to replace the steel third rail has been completed at Girish Park Metro station.Metro Railway started replacing around 200m steel third rail by aluminium third rail on Saturday night after the commercial hours.
“In its 40th year, Kolkata Metro is joining the hi-tech club, replacing the age-old steel third rails with aluminium ones. The change will have an immense impact on metro operations,” said Metro Railway CPRO Kausik Mitra.
Metro trains draw electricity from the third or the conductor rail. The live rail is added next to the tracks. It is usually made of steel. But most advanced Metro systems across the world now have energy-efficient aluminium third rails. The project will be completed in two years, and Kolkata Metro will join the league of Singapore, London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul Metros. The aluminium rails were being imported from Germany, officials said. The aluminium third rail could reduce voltage drops in the system and the consequent energy losses, said the official, adding this would help achieve faster speed of trains.