Metro Railway Kolkata has successfully replaced steel third rails with highly conductive aluminium at Central Station, Maidan and Girish Park sidings. The aluminium third rail reduces energy losses, improves acceleration, and is more efficient in maintenance. This groundbreaking change, done during non-commercial hours, is the first in any Indian metro system.
Key Features:
- Maidan Siding Replacement: The replacement of a 200-metre steel third rail at Maidan siding posed a greater challenge than Girish Park due to its curved track. Metro Railway undertook meticulous planning to match the aluminium rail to the curvature, ensuring smooth power connection and successful replacement.
- Critical Nature of the Work: The work is highly time-sensitive, as any delay could disrupt morning services. Stringent monitoring, precise planning, and contingency measures ensured timely completion of the project without affecting commercial operations. The aluminium third rail was installed with careful adjustments to meet power and operational needs.
- Detailed Replacement Process: The process involved crafting new pedestals, dismantling steel rails, placing new GRP insulators, and setting up the aluminium third rail. Interconnections with the power supply system were made, followed by final adjustments and safety checks. Approximately 50 staff, led by senior officials, completed the work overnight.
- Benefits and Future Scope: The new aluminium third rail will reduce voltage drops, improve metro acceleration, and lower operational costs. Additionally, it will cut carbon emissions by 50,000 tons over its lifetime. This initiative marks a move towards sustainable and efficient metro operations, with plans to extend the replacement to the mainline.
Conclusion:
Kolkata Metro’s switch to an aluminium third rail is a pioneering step in India’s metro systems. The new rail system will significantly improve energy efficiency, operational costs, and environmental impact, setting a benchmark for metro upgrades and modernising public transportation infrastructure.
Source: Kolkata Metro | Images Credit: Kolkata Metro
