In a bold move to align with global green transit practices, Kolkata Metro, one of India’s oldest metro networks, is transforming significantly to enhance its services, overall efficiency and is also stepping into a cleaner, more efficient future.
As per the latest news, Kolkata Metro’s ambitious third rail upgrade marked a significant milestone over the weekend, with a critical section of the Blue Line successfully modernised in Phase I of the project. The replacement of the traditional steel third rail with a high-conductivity aluminium rail was carried out on the Down Line between Shyambazar and Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, and on the Up Line from Shyambazar to Park Street.
The latest installation was executed on Saturday night in the Main Line segment near Mahanayak Uttam Kumar station. Working against the clock, engineers and technicians completed the task before the resumption of commercial services on Sunday morning. According to sources, the primary challenge was in ensuring perfect alignment, height, and spacing of the new aluminium rail while working strictly within non-operational hours.
This marks the third successful upgrade in the Metro’s green transformation initiative.
Earlier, similar replacement work was completed at the Girish Park siding on September 7 and at Maidan siding on September 15, where steel rails were swapped for aluminium to enhance energy efficiency and operational reliability. The upgrade continues to advance in phases, reinforcing Kolkata Metro’s commitment to building a faster, cleaner, and smarter urban transit system.
Building on the experience gained from previous upgrades at Girish Park Y-siding, Maidan Y-siding, and the Central Mainline, the recent main line replacement was executed with heightened precision.
The project is now moving full steam into Phase II, which includes the replacement of steel third rails on the Up Line from Park Street to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, and both Up and Down Lines between Shyambazar and Dum Dum. Metro officials confirmed that work under this phase is already underway and on track for completion before December 2025.
Looking ahead, Phase III will extend the aluminium rail from Mahanayak Uttam Kumar to Kavi Subhas stations. This phase has already received clearance from the Railway Board, signalling the green light for full corridor-wide transformation.
From 2012 - 2026
Sanctioned in 2012, the project envisioned the use of an advanced aluminium third rail in place of the traditional steel version, an upgrade aimed at minimising energy losses and voltage drops. This shift is expected to enable faster train acceleration and reduce headways, enhancing the overall efficiency of metro operations.
In August 2023, Kolkata Metro Railway took a forward-looking decision to adopt composite aluminium third rails for all upcoming corridors under construction, while also retrofitting the existing steel-based routes. With this move, Kolkata is set to join an elite group of global metros, including London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul, which have made the shift from traditional steel to more efficient aluminium third rail systems.
The Railway Board originally approved the steel-to-aluminium third rail replacement in the 2023–24 fiscal year, awarding the contract to a reputed German firm in December 2023. The first shipment of aluminium third rails arrived at Kolkata Port in July 2024, shipped via sea from Hamburg, Germany. Altogether, Kolkata Metro plans to lay down 35 km of aluminium third rail by 2026, solidifying its place among global green transit pioneers and ushering in a faster, safer, and more sustainable era for urban commuters.
Images' source: Metro Railway Kolkata / X
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