Kolkata Metro invites Bids for ₹43.2 Crore Aluminium Third Rail installation on Blue Line

Kolkata, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major step toward modernizing its traction infrastructure, Metro Railway, Kolkata has invited bids for the provision of high-conductivity aluminium third rail along the elevated section of the North–South Corridor (Blue Line) — the city’s busiest and oldest metro corridor.

According to tender documents, the estimated contract value is ₹43.2 crore, with a completion period of 24 months.

Tender Details at a Glance

• Tender No.: ELM142R_ALRL_P3_D21-10-25

• EMD: ₹23,10,400

• Opening Date: October 22, 2025

• Closing Date: December 10, 2025

• Pre-Bid Conference: November 11, 2025

• Estimated Value: ₹43.2 crore

• Duration: 24 months

• Scope: Provision of high-conductivity aluminium third rail in the elevated section of the Blue Line (Phase-III).

Upgrading Power Supply for Reliable Operations

The Blue Line, stretching 32.25 km from Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhash, is the main operational corridor of Kolkata Metro with 26 stations and the highest passenger volume in the network.

With ridership surging after the expansion of connecting metro lines, the corridor’s power infrastructure is being upgraded to handle higher operational demands.

The new aluminium third rail system will enhance electrical conductivity, improve energy efficiency, and reduce maintenance requirements, ensuring a more consistent power supply for train operations — a crucial factor in minimizing delays and improving service reliability.

Dum Dum Station Leads Ridership Growth

Recent traffic data shows Dum Dum Station recorded over 66,000 daily passengers in late September, the highest among all stations on the Blue Line.

Officials said this project will help accommodate such growing passenger volumes by ensuring uninterrupted traction power across the elevated network.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, Managing Director & CEO, Urban Infra Group, and Managing Editor of Metro Rail Today, praised the modernization initiative as an essential step in ensuring long-term operational sustainability:

“Upgrading Kolkata Metro’s traction system with high-conductivity aluminium rails represents a forward-looking investment in reliability, safety, and energy efficiency. As metro networks expand and interconnect, resilient power infrastructure becomes the backbone of seamless mobility for millions of urban commuters.”

She added that such technological upgrades align with the ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ vision by promoting sustainable, efficient, and future-ready metro systems in India’s major cities.

Towards a Smarter Metro Network

This project is part of Metro Railway, Kolkata’s broader infrastructure upgradation program, which includes improving signaling, rolling stock, and electrification systems to meet modern urban transit standards.

By adopting high-performance materials like aluminium third rails — which are lighter, corrosion-resistant, and deliver superior conductivity compared to traditional steel — the Kolkata Metro aims to enhance operational reliability while cutting energy losses and long-term maintenance costs.

As India’s first metro system, Kolkata continues to balance heritage and modernization. The aluminium third rail tender marks another milestone in its transformation into a smarter, more sustainable metro network capable of supporting increasing ridership and inter-corridor connectivity.