For the first time ever in India Kolkata Metro is putting in a battery system that will help a train full of passengers quickly get to the closest station when there's no power.

The Kolkata Metro is preparing to introduce a pioneering Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on the Dakshineswar-New Garia corridor, also known as the Blue Line. This initiative is a significant milestone, the first of its kind in India, to improve commuter safety and energy efficiency within the metro system.

The BESS will incorporate cutting-edge Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries and inverters strategically designed to store and deliver electric energy as required by leveraging the capabilities of high-performance Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) and Lithium Titanium Oxide (LTO) batteries, renowned for their exceptional energy efficiency, prolonged lifespan, and enhanced safety features compared to conventional battery technologies.

These batteries will undergo charging cycles during off-peak hours and be deployed during operational periods, presenting a sustainable energy management solution.

The installation sites along the Blue Line, including key substations such as Noapara, Shyambazar, Central, and Jatin Das Park, have been carefully selected. With a power capacity of 4 MW, the system will facilitate the movement of stranded trains at speeds ranging from 15-30 km/h in the event of power disruptions, including national grid failures, necessitating an approximate space of 106 square meters.

With improved energy efficiency, longevity, and reduced space requirements, the initiative aims to decrease carbon footprint while mitigating health and fire risks typically associated with acidic or alkaline batteries.