Kolkata Metro To Complete Aluminium Third Rail Upgrade On Blue Line By August This Year

Kolkata Metro Railway is on track to complete the replacement of the steel third rail with an aluminium third rail on the down line of the Blue Line, spanning from Belgachia to Tollygunge (Mahanayak Uttam Kumar), by August 2025, a spokesperson announced on Sunday (5 January).

The third rail, which supplies power to Metro trains, is being upgraded to an aluminium system to enhance energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.

This modernisation is expected to significantly improve the Metro's performance.

The replacement has already been completed on a 4-km stretch between Shyambazar and Central stations on the down line.

In December 2024, around 3,500 metres of the third rail were replaced, with an additional 4,000 metres now being replaced monthly to meet the deadline.

Initially, the work was carried out during power blocks on Saturday nights but has since been extended to weekdays, adhering to strict safety protocols.

The aluminium third rail provides better electrical conductivity, reducing voltage drops and energy losses in the system. This enhancement allows for faster train acceleration and improved operational efficiency.

The cost savings from reduced energy consumption are expected to recover the project’s expense within three years.

The aluminium third rail will significantly reduce carbon emissions, cutting 50,000 tonnes of emissions over its lifetime, contributing to a more sustainable Metro Railway system.

The Blue Line, Kolkata Metro’s oldest and busiest corridor, is a critical component of the city’s public transport network.

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