Pune Metro Line 3 to pioneer ‘Third Rail System’ in city
Pune Metro Line 3 to pioneer ‘Third Rail System’ in city
Pune, 4th October 2023: The Pune Metro Line 3, one of the most anticipated developments in Pune’s urban transportation landscape, is set to achieve a remarkable milestone with its groundbreaking adoption of the Third Rail System.
This innovative technology will be introduced for the first time in Pune, revolutionizing the way the metro line draws its electrical power. The adoption of the Third Rail System for Pune Metro Line 3 aka ‘Puneri Metro’ represents a significant leap forward in sustainable and reliable urban transportation.
The project not only exemplifies Pune’s commitment to modernizing its public transit infrastructure but also sets a precedent for future metro developments in the region.
The work of Pune Metro Line 3 on the Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar route has been undertaken by Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) on Public Private Partnership (PPP) basis and Tata Group has established Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited as a special purpose vehicle (SPV) company for its implementation.
The Third Rail System, characterized by a rail running parallel to the tracks adorned with distinctive yellow markings, is a proven method of supplying electric traction power to railway trains. Trains equipped with metal contact blocks known as “shoes” make direct contact with the conductor rail, allowing for a seamless and uninterrupted power supply. Three standard and well-established electric traction systems currently in use across India are:
750 V DC Third Rail
1500 V DC Overhead Catenary
25 kV AC Overhead Catenary System
“The Pune Metro Line 3 will be the first to introduce the third rail technology to the city, showcasing its commitment to innovation and sustainability. One of the notable advantages of the Third Rail System is its unobtrusive nature. Unlike traditional overhead equipment systems, which are susceptible to disruptions caused by birds and kites, the third rail system remains unaffected. This innovation ensures the Pune Metro Line 3 blends seamlessly with the city’s skyline, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing urban environment,” Informed Alok Kapoor, Chief Executive Officer of Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited.
What is the Third Rail System?
A Third Rail System, also known as a live rail, electric rail, or conductor rail, is a method of supplying electric power to an electric train through a semi-continuous rigid conductor placed alongside or between the running rails of a railway track. This conductor rail supplies electrical power directly to the train, enabling efficient and reliable operation.
How does the Third Rail System work?
In a Third Rail System, an additional rail track, called a conductor rail, is introduced alongside the standard railway tracks. This conductor rail typically carries either 600 or 750 volts of electrical power, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operation of the metro trains.
About Pune Metro line 3:
The Pune Metro Line III is a ~23 Km elevated Metro rail project connecting the IT hub of Hinjawadi to the Central business district of Shivajinagar. It is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) project awarded by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to a consortium consisting of Tata Group’s TRIL Urban Transport Private Limited (TUTPL) and Siemens Project Ventures GmbH. The Project would be developed and operated on a Design, build, finance, operate & transfer (DBFOT) basis by a special purpose vehicle (SPV), Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL) for a Concession Period of 35 years including the construction period.
