The country’s oldest metro system, operated by Kolkata Metro, is set for a comprehensive overhaul of its electricity supply infrastructure to address recurring power disruptions on its crucial North–South corridor.
The New Garia–Dakshineswar line — the backbone of the city’s rapid transit network — has frequently experienced operational disruptions due to ageing third-rail and substation infrastructure. To resolve these issues, Metro Railway has floated a ₹345.7 crore tender for modernisation of its third rail system and associated 33 KV electric substations.
Scope of the Modernisation
The project will involve:
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Replacement of ageing 750 V DC traction substations
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Upgradation of 11 KV auxiliary substations to 33 KV systems
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Renewal of third rail infrastructure
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Replacement of power cables and related electrical equipment
The overhaul is expected to significantly improve:
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Power supply reliability
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Operational efficiency
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Passenger safety
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Service continuity
Officials stated that commuters can expect fewer power snags that have periodically disrupted services along the corridor.
Why the Third Rail Upgrade Matters
A third-rail metro system powers trains through a continuous electrified rail positioned alongside or between the running rails. Trains draw approximately 750 V DC via collector shoes mounted on bogies.
This system is widely used in underground and elevated metro networks due to its compact design and cost-effectiveness. However, ageing infrastructure can lead to voltage fluctuations, equipment failures, and service interruptions — issues that this upgrade aims to eliminate.
Part of a Larger Modernisation Drive
Earlier this month, General Manager Subhransu Sekhar Mishra flagged off a ₹585 crore project to modernise the air-conditioning and tunnel ventilation systems across the Blue Line’s 15 underground stations spanning 16 km from Belgachhia to Rabindra Sarobar.
Together, these projects represent a major infrastructure renewal push for the legacy network.
Tender & Timeline
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Tender Value: ₹345.7 crore
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Completion Period: 3 years from commencement
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Bid Submission Window: March 6–20
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Bid Validity: 90 days from closing date
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Pre-Tender Meeting: Scheduled this Friday
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Tendering Mode: Open bidding, two-packet system
Strategic Importance
The North–South corridor (New Garia–Dakshineswar) is one of the busiest sections of the network and serves as the spine of urban mobility in Kolkata. Strengthening its electrical backbone is critical to maintaining reliability in India’s first metro system.
With simultaneous upgrades to ventilation and power infrastructure, Kolkata Metro is entering a significant renewal phase aimed at ensuring stable operations for decades to come.
