India is set to witness a historic moment in urban transportation with the inauguration of its first underwater metro service in Kolkata today. This engineering marvel, running beneath the Hooghly River, will connect Howrah with Salt Lake, significantly enhancing the city’s metro network.
PM Narendra Modi will flag off a metro train between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade in Kolkata which will open India’s first under-river tunnel, fulfilling a dream which the city dwellers saw almost 53 years ago
The underwater metro will connect Kolkata’s twin cities, Howrah and Salt Lake, and will have six stations, three of which are underground. The opening event is expected to be grand, with the Prime Minister leading the ceremony. It will be attended by several dignitaries and officials, and the public will get a chance to experience the underwater metro on the same day.
Historical Perspective
The underwater metro project, nestled beneath the Hooghly River, connects Kolkata with Howrah, turning an age-old dream into reality. The concept, initially envisioned by the British in 1921, faced several obstacles due to unfavorable soil conditions and was shelved. It resurfaced in the 1980s under Railway Minister ABA Ghani Khan Chowdhury but only saw significant progress after being sanctioned by the UPA government in 2008, with construction commencing in 2009.
Project Highlights:
The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section, which cost Rs 4,965 crore to construct, is a crucial link in the East-West Metro corridor. Extending over 4.8 kilometers, this segment includes the country’s deepest metro station at Howrah.
The underwater metro line, part of the extensive East-West Metro corridor, spans 16.6 kilometers, seamlessly connecting the twin cities of Howrah and Salt Lake. Its most remarkable feature is the 520-meter stretch beneath the Hooghly River, designed to be crossed in an astonishing 45 seconds. This engineering marvel not only demonstrates the prowess of modern technology but also promises to dramatically improve daily commute times for thousands of city residents.
The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section stands out for having India’s deepest metro station, showcasing the depth of planning and execution invested into this project. The East-West Metro corridor is meticulously designed to enhance urban connectivity, linking key areas across Kolkata and paving the way for a more interconnected city.
Technological Innovation:
Adoption of Automatic Train Operation (ATO) within the metro system underscores a commitment to efficiency and safety. This cutting-edge technology allows trains to move automatically, controlled by a simple command from the motorman, showcasing a leap towards future-ready urban transport solutions.
Service and Connectivity
– East-West Metro Corridor: The 4.8-kilometer stretch from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade is a crucial part of the corridor, connecting vital areas like the IT hub Salt Lake Sector V.
– Operational Phases: While the Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah stretch is already operational, passenger services for the newly inaugurated section will commence at a later date.
Progress and Expectations:
While certain segments of the East-West Metro corridor are still under construction, the operational sections have already started to redefine commuting in Kolkata. The project is anticipated to commence full commercial operations by mid-2024, eagerly awaited by residents and observers alike.
The grand inauguration of the underwater metro line in Kolkata is more than just the unveiling of a new transport route; it is a testament to India’s dedication to embracing innovation and improving the quality of urban life. This development not only enhances Kolkata’s urban landscape but also signifies India’s stride towards sustainable and efficient public transport systems, reflecting a promising direction for the nation’s future urban planning endeavours.
Additional Inaugurations
Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section of the New Garia-Airport Metro and the Taratala-Majerhat Metro section of the Joka-Esplanade Metro, further expanding Kolkata’s metro network.
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