Kolkata Metro Railway is set to install a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Central Station substation to enhance commuter safety during power outages. This system will ensure uninterrupted operations on the 16 km underground Tollygunge-Dumdum stretch of the Blue Line corridor (Dakshineswar-New Garia), which spans 28 km.

The BESS, comprising inverters and advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries, will enable trains to operate at 30 km/h during power cuts or grid failures, ensuring that passenger-filled coaches can safely reach the nearest station. This initiative aims to improve both commuter safety and energy management along the North-South Corridor.

The system is designed to provide 4 MW of power from a centralized location to stations using a 33 KV supply. This eco-friendly project, funded by the Railway Board, is expected to be operational by May. After the installation at Central Station, seven additional BESS units with a 1 MW capacity each will be added, incorporating Traction Energy Storage System (TESS) in new substations. These enhancements will strengthen power backup services across the Blue Line and are projected to reduce peak hour energy demand, potentially saving Kolkata Metro Railway up to Rs 7 crore over the system’s lifespan.

Additionally, the BESS will store energy at night for use during high-demand daytime hours and will serve as an emergency power source in case of a fire, supporting tunnel ventilation, track exhaust systems, and platform ventilation, thereby enhancing overall metro safety and efficiency.

News source: Financial Express