Kolkata Metro Railway has introduced a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Central Metro station on the underground Blue Line stretch to improve passenger safety and energy efficiency during power failures.
The 4 MW BESS, supported by 6.4 MWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, was commissioned on Wednesday. The system includes inverters and advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries and is designed to supply stored electricity in case of grid failure or power outage.
According to officials, the system can move stranded Metro rakes at a speed of 55 km/hr from the middle of a tunnel to the next station. It can also provide power to tunnel ventilation and environmental control systems at underground stations.
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As per a report of The Indian Express, Metro authorities told, “This new system has been designed in such a way that the electricity stored by it can be used to haul rakes at 55 km/hr speed from the mid-tunnel to the next station, if stranded in case of any grid failure besides providing power supply to tunnel ventilation and environment control system at the underground stations. This system also equipped with green batteries has a lifespan of around 14 years and is very compact in design. It is also going to reduce carbon footprint with better energy efficiency than conventional Generators. It will efficiently handle spikes in power demand and improve power factor which will reduce energy bills."
Chingrighata project faces delay over traffic concerns
Meanwhile, Metro authorities said construction work for the Chingrighata Metro project is unlikely to begin this month and may not start in March either.
Metro General Manager Shubhranshu Shekhar Mishra said Chingrighata is one of the busiest areas in the city. The project requires partial traffic diversions and permission from Kthe olkata Police, which is currently reluctant due to heavy student and parent movement during the exam season.
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With board and competitive examinations scheduled in March, implementing traffic restrictions has become difficult. The Metro administration is in constant touch with the police and other agencies to find a suitable time to begin work.
Mishra added that the project will help ease traffic congestion on the EM Bypass and Salt Lake and improve connectivity with East Kolkata.
The final phase of the Orange Line Metro near the Airport also faces uncertainty. A temporary road closure is needed, but Bidhannagar City Police have raised initial objections. Talks are ongoing, and work will resume only after administrative approval and traffic clearance.
