Metro Railway Kolkata has successfully completed replacement of the conventional steel third rail with advanced high-conductivity aluminum third rail across the entire underground section of its Blue Line. This major technological upgrade is a crucial step towards modernization of traction infrastructure and achieving the targeted 150-second train headway in future operations.
The new aluminum third rail system offers significantly improved electrical conductivity, lower transmission losses, reduced voltage drop and enhanced energy efficiency compared to the earlier steel system. The initiative is expected to generate substantial environmental benefits, including an estimated reduction of nearly 50,000 tonnes of carbon emissions over its lifecycle.
The upgradation forms part of Metro Railway Kolkata’s broader modernization roadmap, which includes implementation of advanced signalling systems to support higher-frequency operations, improved reliability and enhanced passenger carrying capacity on India’s first metro corridor. The North–South Blue Line corridor of Metro Railway Kolkata – India’s pioneering underground metro system is being progressively upgraded through energy-efficient and sustainable technologies to meet growing commuter demand and future operational requirements.
