Kolkata Metro Railway is set to replace its traditional steel third rail with a composite aluminum third rail for powering its trains. The switch comes after four decades of using steel. This transition aligns Kolkata Metro with the likes of London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul Metro systems, which have adopted aluminum third rails. The move promises several benefits, including reduced resistive current loss, improved traction voltage levels, lower maintenance and life cycle costs, enhanced train operation efficiency, significant improvements in energy efficiency, and a reduction in carbon footprint, making it a sustainable and cost-effective upgrade.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Third Rail Current Collector: A third rail system is a method of supplying electric power to trains using a conductor positioned beside the railway tracks. The current collector is the part of the train that contacts the third rail to draw power.
- Composite Aluminum Third Rail: This refers to a third rail made from a composite material containing aluminum. It is being adopted for its advantages over traditional steel third rails.
- Elite Club: Kolkata Metro joins a select group of metro systems, including those in London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul, that have made the transition from steel to aluminum third rails.
- Resistive Current Loss: This term relates to the energy lost as heat when electric current flows through a conductor, such as a third rail. Reducing resistive current loss improves energy efficiency.
- Traction Voltage: Traction voltage is the electric voltage used to power trains. Maintaining appropriate voltage levels is crucial for efficient train operation.
- Carbon Footprint: The carbon footprint refers to the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, associated with a particular activity or process. Transitioning to aluminum third rails can help reduce this footprint by improving energy efficiency.