India Inaugurates Its First Underwater Metro in Kolkata
Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened India’s First Underwater Metro in Kolkata. The tunnel beneath a significant body of water. Over 40 years after the nation’s metro services were introduced. Moreover the Hooghly River divides the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah. which are located in the eastern state of West Bengal. The tunnel links them.
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Kolkata became the first city in India to have a functioning First Underwater Metro in Kolkata. Additionally trains will cross a 520-meter length of river in 45 seconds when it fully opens to passenger traffic later this month, furthermore simplifying commutes for citizens of both cities.
There are currently 15 cities in the nation having metro rail service; the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation ploughs 393 km through the national capital region. In Delhi, higher. Because of space constraints, metro sections. Moreover something that was not feasible in Kolkata.
Chief Public Relations Officer of Eastern trains Kaushik Mitra told. Furthermore the Independent that ‘developing an elevated segment was not a more cost-effective or safer alternative for the trains than the underwater subway’.
Additionally First Underwater Metro in Kolkata
“Public access to the First Underwater Metro in Kolkata rail service will soon be available,” he stated.
An official statement states that the 4.8km East-West Metro stretch in West Bengal was constructed for a cost of Rs 49.65bn (£470m). Howrah, which is 30 meters below ground level, is home to the lowest metro stop.
Furthermore on both sides of the tunnel, the railroads have built walkways that are connected to ventilation shafts at25 meters, stated Mr. Mitra. A group of schoolchildren accompanied Mr. Modi. As he rode the First Underwater Metro in Kolkata trip as he landed in West Bengal. To campaign for the next general elections.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee did not attend the programme.
The 4.8-km Esplanade-Howrah Maidan stretch, a part of the east-west corridor, has been built at a cost of ₹4,960 crore, officials said.
Mr. Modi also inaugurated the 1.25-km-long Taratala-Majherhat section of the Joka-Esplanade line, built at an estimated cost of ₹520 crore.
The ₹1,430-crore Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section of the New Garia-airport line was also inaugurated from the function at the Esplanade Metro Station.
The Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay stretch, which is 5.4 km long, will bring areas in the south-eastern parts of Kolkata on the metro map, officials said.
These sections will help decongest road traffic and provide seamless, easy and comfortable connectivity, a statement said.
The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the east-west corridor has the First Underwater Metro in Kolkata transportation tunnel under “any mighty river in India”. It passes under the Hooghly river, on the east and west banks of which Kolkata and Howrah are situated.
The stretch also has the deepest metro station in the country, the Howrah Metro Station, at 32 metres below the ground.
The east-west metro corridor, the construction for which commenced on April 14, 2009, has suffered several delays owing to various issues, including accidents at Bowbazar in central Kolkata.
The stretch between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade is the second section of the corridor in which commercial operations will begin. With this, only the Esplanade-Sealdah stretch of the line is left to be completed.
Metro Railway General Manager P. Uday Kumar Reddy had earlier mentioned a target of June-July this year to start commercial operations on the entire line.
The Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah stretch of the East-West Metro corridor is commercially operational at present.
Of the total 16.6 km length of the line, the underground section is 10.8 km long, between Howrah Maidan and Phoolbagan, while the rest is elevated.
The Majerhat Metro Station of the Taratala-Majerhat section is a unique elevated metro station across railway lines, platforms and a canal, the statement said.
The 6.5-km section between Joka and Taratala of the Joka-Esplanade line is already operational.
Along with these, the PM unveiled metro projects in various cities of the country. These projects are cumulatively worth around ₹15,400 crore, officials said.
A camera mounted inside the rail coach saw Mr. Modi mingling with the students sitting next to him. “This will expedite the communication infrastructure and alleviate traffic gridlock,” Mr. Modi declared, referring to it as a “proud moment”. First Underwater Metro in Kolkata for the nation.
Moreover the interior walls of the tunnels have been specially illuminated with blue lights by rail authorities. Furthermore to give the impression that one is First Underwater Metro in Kolkata.
Conclusion
The first underwater metro system in India was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata, marking an important development for the country’s transportation network. After more than 40 years since metro services were first offered in India, this ground-breaking initiative represents advancement and creativity in urban transportation.
The underwater tunnel that connects Howrah with Kolkata under the Hooghly River is expected to transform transport for residents of both cities. Trains travel the 520 metres of river in 45 seconds, providing a quick and effective mode of transit.
The choice to build an undersea subway highlights the dedication to safety and economy, despite obstacles like space limitations. The goal guiding the development of India’s metro areas is embodied in this commitment to providing the best possible transit options.
Together with other metro projects across the nation, the 4.8 km East-West Metro stretch’s opening represents a concerted effort to improve connectivity and reduce urban congestion. The fact that Prime Minister Modi supports these projects as essential parts of India’s communication network serves to highlight how important they are for promoting growth and development.
A new era in India’s transport landscape is being heralded as the country celebrates the realisation of the First Underwater Metro in Kolkata, which is lit up with blue lights to evoke its unique underwater experience. This accomplishment paves the path for a better future by enabling smooth connectivity and demonstrating India’s capacity to take on and complete large-scale infrastructure projects.