This Indian metro adopts advanced aluminium third rail for efficiency and eco-friendliness!

The significant upgrade on the Blue Line (from Dakshineshwar to New Garia stretching 32kms) with an advanced aluminium third rail is a green energy initiative to modernise the city's metro commuting channel, boosting efficiency and reducing operational costs and then cohesively aiming to augment energy efficiency and sustain the country's green energy objectives.

The third phase started on the stretch between Girish Park to Central stations, including the intermediate station — Mahatma Gandhi Road, on November 30, 2024, with a designated team led by Shri Sumit Kayal and Senior Section Engineer Abhishek Sinha. The team, who worked during a narrow 5-hour window overnight to secure uninterrupted metro service during peak hours, replaced approximately 700 metres of steel third rail. The new system has been installed with greater alignment precision, ensuring enhanced safety for passengers.

On completion of the initiative, Kolkata Metro Railway will be at par with Singapore, London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul Metros, where the second rail has already been replaced with aluminium.  

Metro Railway CPRO Kausik Mitra had said previously, “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.”

Aluminium third rail offers several advantages over steel, including superior electrical conductivity. With a conductivity of 38 million siemens per meter, aluminium notably reduces energy losses compared to steel's 6 million siemens per meter. As a result, this upgrade will lead to better operational efficiency, faster train acceleration, and, ultimately, cost savings within five years. Moreover, the switch to aluminium is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 50,000 tonnes over the rail's lifespan.