Due to the frequent issue of copper cable being stolen, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is tackling this by swiftly shifting to aluminium wiring throughout its vast network. The move involves a revamped security strategy, including a significant investment of INR 325.9 million. Investment aims towards installing aluminium cables over 175 kilometres of its operations.

Major attention to the most vulnerable areas, especially the Yamuna Bank line, the Airport Express Line and the Pink Line, is being given by this overhaul. The switch to aluminium is anticipated to address the ongoing issue of cable thefts that have been causing service disruptions and reduce these criminal activities while also improving power and signalling reliability throughout the network.

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Furthermore, DMRC reported a total of 89 cable theft incidents last year, with some major disruptions occurring in March, which created a major impact on the Red Line. Irrespective of implementing preventive measures like cemented cables, anti-theft clamps and concertina coils, thefts continued, disrupting the overall operations. To combat this, DMRC is switching to aluminium wires, which are supposed to help boost their defences against theft as well as ensure trains are on schedule.

As per the corporation officials, the current 33kV copper cables are set to be taken out and replaced with aluminium cables. These new aluminium cables will be installed in a trefoil formation along the metro viaducts.

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