Kolkata: Kolkata Metro has saved over Rs 8 crore in energy costs in 2024-25 by adopting regenerative braking systems across its fleet. Currently, 37 rakes have adopted this system and are operating.
This helped regenerate around 1.08 crore units of electricity and reduce carbon emissions by 13,500 tonnes in the last fiscal year.
This technology enables electric motors to function as generators during braking. The system allows thr kinetic energy produced during braking to be converted back into electricity.
This power is either fed back into the third rail for use by other trains or stored in batteries. It is also used to illuminate coaches and operate AC systems.
This regenerative braking technology will help these rakes recover 17-20 per cent of energy during operations.
Not only rakes, Kolkata Metro is also using regenerative braking in the newly installed Metro lifts. These lifts do not require machine rooms and use significantly less power.
Kolkata Metro is also setting up a 4 MW Advanced Chemical Cell (ACC) Battery Energy Storage System. This system will be the first of its kind in Indian Railways and will be operational in July.
A separate 7 MW Traction Energy Storage System has also been sanctioned by the Railway Board.
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