Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The Kolkata Metro Railway, India’s first metro system built by Indian Railways, has decided to replace its steel third rail with a composite aluminium third rail.
- This move aligns Kolkata Metro with prestigious international metro systems like those in London, Moscow, Berlin, Munich, and Istanbul, which have also made the shift from steel to aluminium third rails.
The advantages of the composite aluminium third rail over the steel third rail include:
- Reduction in resistive current loss and improved traction voltage levels due to the lower resistance of aluminium compared to steel.
- Improved acceleration with the same rolling stock.
- Reduced maintenance and life cycle costs, including less frequent painting and dimension measurement of the third rail, as well as prevention of rust-related damage.
- Enhanced efficiency of train operations.
- Significant improvements in energy efficiency and a reduction in carbon footprint.
- Improved train headway, leading to better train scheduling and operations.
