Delta Electronics India has deployed a 6.4 MWh/4 MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Central Sub-station of the Blue Line operated by Metro Railway Kolkata. The system was inaugurated on Tuesday and is now operational.

With this installation, Kolkata Metro is the first underground metro railway network in India to integrate a large-scale battery energy storage system within its traction infrastructure.

According to the company, the BESS is designed to provide traction power support during grid disturbances, voltage fluctuations, or outages. In the event of a supply disruption, the system enables trains to be moved to the nearest station, addressing operational requirements in underground sections where a continuous power supply is critical.

The battery system has been integrated at the Central Sub-station to address grid-related contingencies. In addition to traction backup, the installation supports peak load management and power factor correction. These functions are aimed at managing electricity demand during high-load periods.

The project uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery technology, along with a Power Conditioning System (PCS) and an Energy Management System (EMS). Delta Electronics India stated that the PCS, EMS, and battery racks were designed and manufactured in-house.

Niranjan Nayak, Managing Director, Delta Electronics India, said the deployment relates to power infrastructure in public transport systems. Rajesh Kaushal, Vice-President, Energy Infrastructure Business Group, stated that the system is configured to respond during grid disturbances and support operational requirements.

The installation aligns with the National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) Battery Storage, approved by the Union Cabinet. The programme aims to expand domestic energy storage capacity and support electric mobility and renewable energy integration.

Kolkata Metro began operations in 1984 and was the first metro railway system in India. A significant portion of its Blue Line operates underground, where an uninterrupted power supply is required for signalling, ventilation, lighting, and traction systems. The integration of battery storage at a central sub-station adds to its existing power management structure.

Battery energy storage systems are being adopted in transport and infrastructure sectors to manage peak demand and support grid operations. In metro rail networks, such systems can serve as contingency backup and load-balancing mechanisms.

The deployment adds battery storage capacity to Kolkata Metro’s operational framework for power management and contingency support.