Kolkata Metro to add seven new traction sub-stations on Blue Line to boost safety and efficiency
Kolkata: In a major infrastructure upgrade for the city’s oldest metro corridor, Metro Railway Kolkata has announced the construction of seven new traction sub-stations along the Blue Line, stretching from Dakshineswar to Sahid Khudiram (Birji). The move aims to enhance train operations, improve passenger amenities and strengthen safety systems on the 41-year-old route.
A Metro Railway spokesperson said on Saturday that the new traction sub-stations will be set up at Kalighat, Netaji Bhawan, Maidan, Esplanade, MG Road, Sovabazar-Sutanuti and between Belgachia and Shyambazar stations. With these additions, the corridor will achieve station-wise traction coverage similar to the newer Purple Line (Joka–Majerhat) and Orange Line (Kavi Subhas–Beleghata).
To further meet growing power requirements, Metro Railway has also placed orders for two additional Traction Sub-Stations (TSS) at Chandni Chowk and Geetanjali (Naktala). The Chandni Chowk facility is expected to ease rake congestion between Esplanade and Central stations.
Metro authorities are simultaneously upgrading the ventilation and cooling systems across the corridor. With the entire fleet now fully air-conditioned, the network is transitioning to a modern Tunnel Ventilation System (TVS) equipped with advanced smoke extraction capabilities—replacing the older system originally designed to cool non-AC rakes.
Currently, 14 midpoints use 110 kW centrifugal fans operating round the clock, incurring annual energy costs of around Rs 21 crore. After Variable Frequency Drives were installed in 2021–22, consumption was reduced by half. These ageing fans will now be replaced with high-capacity axial fans capable of functioning for two hours at temperatures up to 250 degree celsius. The new system will activate automatically in the event of fire, smoke, elevated CO2 levels or rising sub-soil temperatures.
A work order has been awarded to the Indian subsidiary of a leading Japanese company to overhaul the Environmental Control Systems (ECS) and upgrade the TVS across Blue Line stations. The parent company has previously installed similar systems in more than 100 underground stations in Singapore. A team of Japanese engineers has already inspected installations at Jatin Das Park station.
Officials said the upgrade will significantly enhance fire safety, cut electricity expenditure and lower carbon emissions by an estimated 12,300 metric tonnes annually. Once the project is completed, passengers can expect a more reliable and comfortable travel experience on Kolkata’s oldest metro line.
(with inputs from agencies)
