Archive · 29 Jul 2025
Kolkata Metro Completes Blue Line Third Rail Upgrade Phase
The Kolkata Metro is giving its Blue Line a power upgrade.
They're swapping the old steel third rail (the power source) with a new aluminum one.
This should make the trains use power more efficiently, reducing energy waste.
The first part of the change is done, and the rest will be finished by the end of 2025.
This project, approved by the Railway Board, aims to improve the metro's operations and save money.
The Kolkata Metro completed Phase 1 of replacing the steel third rail with aluminum on the Blue Line.
The completed phase covers sections from Shyambazar to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Park Street.
This upgrade is expected to reduce energy loss by 84% and save approximately Rs 1 crore per km.
Phase 2, already underway, aims to be completed by December 2025.
The Railway Board approved the project in 2023-24 and awarded the contract to a German company in December 2023.
- Who
- The Kolkata Metro and a German company contracted by the Railway Board.
- What
- The completion of Phase 1 of the third rail replacement on the Blue Line.
- When
- Phase 1 was completed last Saturday; Phase 2 expected by December 2025.
- Where
- Blue Line of the Kolkata Metro, specifically sections between Shyambazar, Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, and Park Street.
- Why
- To reduce energy loss, increase efficiency, and save costs.
- Line
- Blue Line
- Upgrade Type
- Third Rail Replacement
- Old Material
- Steel
- New Material
- Aluminum
- Phase 1 Completion
- Last Saturday
- Expected Phase 2 Completion
- December 2025
- Energy Loss Reduction
- 84%
- Contract Awarded
- December 2023
