Kolkata Metro Innovates with Battery Energy Storage System for Commuter Safety

Kolkata Metro Railway plans to install a battery energy storage system to ensure commuter safety during power outages in tunnels. The system, designed to aid stranded coaches, promises enhanced energy efficiency and passenger rescue. Full functionality is expected by May, with eco-friendly features and emergency capabilities emphasized.

Kolkata Metro Railway is set to secure commuter safety with the installation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Central station. The initiative aims to prevent disruptions during power cuts by providing immediate power to stranded coaches, allowing safe transit to the next station.

The advanced system, combining inverters and advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries, will propel passenger-filled rakes at 30 km/hr, ensuring timely evacuations. This innovative approach marks a significant development in the Blue Line corridor's safety infrastructure, enhancing energy efficiency and emergency responsiveness.

Financially backed by the Railway Board, the BESS project is anticipated to be operational by May. The Metro authorities plan to expand this technology across seven additional substations, optimizing power management and aid in emergency situations like fires, thereby reducing potential financial burdens in peak hours.