On 6th March 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the commercial services of the Kolkata Metro’s East-West Corridor, between the Howrah Maidan and Esplanade sections. This marks the first underwater metro service in India. This landmark project is a significant milestone in the country’s infrastructure development and is poised to revolutionize urban commuting in the city.
The Underwater Metro Tunnel
- The metro tunnel, known as an “engineering marvel,” spans a distance of 16.6 kilometers beneath the Hooghly River.
- It connects Kolkata’s twin cities, Howrah and Kolkata, easing travel between the two bustling urban centers.
- The underwater metro will have six stations, three of which are underground.
- The opening event is expected to be grand, with the Prime Minister himself leading the ceremony. Dignitaries and officials will also attend, and the public will get a chance to experience the underwater metro on the same day.
Key Points About the Project
- Reducing Congestion and Air Pollution: The underwater metro service aims to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce air pollution in Kolkata. By providing an efficient alternative mode of transportation, it will ease the strain on existing road networks.
- Connecting Howrah and Kolkata: The metro will bridge the gap between the two major cities, enhancing connectivity for daily commuters. Residents of Howrah and Kolkata can now travel seamlessly across the Hooghly River.
- Engineering Feat: The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of Kolkata Metro is special because it’s the first tunnel under a major river in India. The Howrah metro station, part of this section, holds the distinction of being the deepest metro station in India. In April 2023, Kolkata Metro made history by running a train through a tunnel under the Hooghly River, a first in the country. The section covers a distance of 4.8 kilometers, connecting Howrah Maidan to the Esplanade. It’s part of the East-West Metro corridor, linking Howrah Maidan to the IT hub Salt Lake Sector V.
- Speed and Efficiency: The underwater metro is expected to zoom through a 520-meter stretch under the river Hooghly in just 45 seconds. The metro uses a system called Automatic Train Operation (ATO), allowing trains to move automatically to the next station after the motorman presses a button.
- Overall Route: Out of the total 16.6 kilometers of the East-West Metro, 10.8 kilometers are underground, including the tunnel under the Hooghly River. Kolkata Metro aims to start commercial operations for the entire East-West route between Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan around June or July.
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Positive takeaway
India’s first underwater metro service is poised to revolutionize urban transportation in Kolkata. As commuters step aboard the underwater trains, they’ll witness a fusion of engineering excellence and convenience, all while contributing to a greener and more efficient cityscape.
