Much Needed Overhaul: Delhi Metro To Combat Technical Snags Via Equipment Upgrade On 240 Km-Long Elevated Lines

The Delhi Metro has announced its intentions of overhauling and upgrading the electrical equipment on the elevated sections of its network in a bid to tackle issues of technical snags. The elevated section extending to 240 km would see the installation of state of the art electrical installations and new safety features which are expected to lead to a reduction in stoppages caused by technical failures.

However a spokesperson of the metro network highlighted the fact that the overhaul process would be challenging as the same would have to be conducted in the period when metros are not operational. Therefore work can only be carried for 4 to 5 hours at night and a meticulous plan would be required for the purposes of finishing the overhaul work within a reasonable time.

It has been noted that the elevated sections have been exposed to greater technical disruptions on account of being exposed to factors like pollution, birds and weather conditions. A particular component which has caused great grief to the metro network is the copper split pin which acts to support the insulation of the power lines. These copper pins are set to be replaced by stainless steel ones which carry greater tensile strength and thus are more durable.

Another measure being planned to reduce disruptions caused by birds relates to the installation of spike discs near insulators which would bar birds from nesting and also protect them from electrocution.