Pune Metro Line 3, popularly known as ‘Puneri Metro,’ is set to usher in a new era of urban transportation with the introduction of the innovative ‘third rail system.’ This cutting-edge technology promises to transform the city’s metro network by eliminating the need for electric poles and overhead wires that have traditionally cluttered the metro tracks.
The ‘third rail system’ represents a groundbreaking approach to powering electric trains. It involves the addition of a live rail, also known as an electric rail or conductor rail, placed adjacent to or between the standard railway tracks. This auxiliary rail is responsible for carrying electrical voltage ranging from 600 to 750 Volts, ensuring the seamless and uninterrupted operation of metro trains. Unlike conventional overhead wires, this system offers a clean and efficient power supply solution.
Characterized by its distinctive yellow markings, the ‘third rail system’ employs a rail that runs parallel to the tracks. Metro trains equipped with metal contact blocks, referred to as ‘shoes,’ establish direct contact with the conductor rail. This contact allows for the uninterrupted transmission of power, ensuring a reliable and efficient mode of transportation.
The implementation of this technology marks a significant departure from traditional power supply methods for railway systems. Currently, India employs three well-established electric traction systems: 750 V DC Third Rail, 1500 V DC Overhead Catenary, and 25 kV AC Overhead Catenary. The ‘third rail system’ promises to provide an alternative that combines efficiency, aesthetics, and reliability.
Pune Metro Line 3 spans 23 kilometers, connecting the IT hub of Hinjewadi to the bustling central business district of Shivajinagar. This project operates under a public-private partnership (PPP) framework, awarded by the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) to a consortium comprising the Tata Group’s TRIL Urban Transport Private Limited (TUTPL) and Siemens Project Ventures GmbH. The development, operation, and transfer of the project fall under the purview of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) named Pune IT City Metro Rail Limited (PITCMRL). The concession period for this project spans 35 years, encompassing both construction and operational phases.
According to Alok Kapoor, the Chief Executive Officer of PITCMRL, the introduction of the ‘third rail technology’ to Pune signifies a commitment to innovation and sustainability. Kapoor highlights one of the system’s notable advantages—its unobtrusive nature. Unlike traditional overhead equipment systems that may face disruptions caused by birds and kites, the ‘third rail system’ remains impervious to such interferences. This innovation ensures that Pune Metro Line 3 seamlessly integrates with the city’s skyline, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing urban environment.
The deployment of the ‘third rail system’ not only augments the functionality and appeal of Pune’s metro network but also represents a stride toward environmentally friendly and dependable urban transportation.
