Boost to Indigenous Metro Technology as Metro Railway Collaborates with IIT Madras

Metro Railway, Kolkata, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to undertake collaborative research and development aimed at advancing Linear Induction Motor (LIM)-based propulsion technology for metro rail systems.

The partnership seeks to evaluate the feasibility and performance of LIM technology in Indian operating conditions, with a focus on its technical, operational and economic viability. As part of the initiative, a pilot project is proposed in which an existing metro motor coach will be retrofitted with the new propulsion system to enable field testing and the collection of real-world operational data.

The joint study will also examine how LIM technology performs in challenging corridor conditions, including routes featuring sharper curves and steeper gradients, where conventional propulsion systems may face limitations. Researchers will assess factors such as energy efficiency, maintenance requirements, operational reliability and lifecycle costs.

The collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening indigenous research capabilities in advanced urban transport technologies. By combining Metro Railway’s operational expertise with IIT Madras’s research and engineering capabilities, the project aims to support innovation-driven growth in the metro rail sector.

The findings from the study are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers and transport planners, helping inform future decisions on the adoption of alternative propulsion technologies in metro networks across India. The initiative also aligns with broader efforts to promote self-reliance and technological innovation in the country’s rapidly expanding urban transit ecosystem.