SNE NETWORK.NATIONAL DESK.
Kolkata Metro Railway has taken an important step towards environmental protection and has adopted a new sustainable braking technology ‘Regenerative Braking’ in its trains. This is not only saving electricity, but also reducing carbon emissions significantly. This information was given by a Metro Railway official on Sunday.
What is regenerative braking technology?
In regenerative braking technology, when the train brakes, its electric motors work in the reverse direction and convert the kinetic energy of the train back into electrical energy. In normal braking, this energy is wasted by turning into heat, but with this technology that energy can be used again.
How much energy was saved and how much money?
In the financial year 2024-25, a total of 1.08 crore units of electricity were regenerated by these 37 racks, saving energy cost of about Rs 8.2 crore.
How much did carbon emissions reduce?
Due to this system, 13,500 tonnes of carbon emissions have been reduced, which is a major achievement in terms of environment.
What percentage of energy is being regenerated?
A study conducted by the Metro Railway has found that 17 to 20 percent of energy can be regenerated with this technology. A Kolkata Metro spokesperson said that this technology is also used in metro services of big cities like London, Tokyo and New York.
Other green initiatives of Kolkata Metro
Kolkata Metro is also installing a 4 MW ‘Advanced Chemical Cell (ACC)’ battery storage system as another environmentally friendly step. This is being done for the first time in Indian Railways. The batteries have been supplied and this system can be operational by mid-July 2025. Regenerative braking not only saves energy but also reduces the wear of brakes, wheels and other parts. This will also reduce maintenance costs.