“India’s First Underwater Metro: Covering 520 Meters in Just 45 Seconds”

In a historic moment set to redefine the city’s transportation landscape, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to inaugurate India’s first-ever underwater metro, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro section in Kolkata today. The inauguration event, anticipated to be a grand affair attended by dignitaries and officials, marks a significant milestone in India’s infrastructure development.

This groundbreaking project boasts several noteworthy features that promise to transform commuting in Kolkata:

1. Length and Depth: The underwater metro spans an impressive 16.6 kilometers, with a substantial 10.8-kilometer stretch running underground from Howrah Maidan to Phoolbagan. Notably, this includes a tunnel under the Hooghly River, making it the deepest metro line in the country. The remainder of the route is above ground, integrating seamlessly into the city’s urban fabric.
2. Critical Connectivity: A pivotal 4.8-kilometer section of the metro links Howrah and Salt Lake, bridging the gap between these twin cities. This connection is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and streamline travel for residents and commuters.
3. Station Infrastructure: With six stations in total, three of which are located underground, the metro system is strategically positioned to serve key hubs within Kolkata. This network design aims to enhance accessibility and convenience for passengers.
4. Rapid Transit: One of the most impressive feats of the underwater metro is its ability to traverse a 520-meter river stretch in a mere 45 seconds. This unparalleled speed ensures swift and efficient transportation for passengers, significantly reducing travel times between destinations.
5. Cutting-Edge Technology: The metro employs Automatic Train Operation (ATO), a state-of-the-art system that allows trains to advance to the next station with the push of a button by the motorman. This technological innovation enhances safety and operational efficiency, marking a significant advancement in metro infrastructure.

In addition to its groundbreaking features, the underwater metro offers affordable fare options, with ticket prices starting at just ₹5 for the first two kilometers. The fare structure follows an incremental model, with prices increasing gradually based on distance traveled, capping at ₹50 for longer journeys.

While the section between Esplanade and Sealdah is still under construction, the operational stretch from Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah is already operational. Kolkata Metro authorities plan to inaugurate the full East-West route between Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan in the coming months, further expanding the metro network’s reach and accessibility.

Notably, the success of the Kolkata Metro project has paved the way for future expansions and enhancements in the city’s transportation infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi is also expected to inaugurate additional metro sections, including the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala-Majerhat lines, underscoring the government’s commitment to modernizing Kolkata’s transit systems.

In retrospect, April 2023 marked a historic milestone for the Kolkata Metro, with the successful traversal of a train through the tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. Today’s inauguration ceremony heralds a new era of connectivity and progress for Kolkata, positioning the city as a beacon of innovation in India’s transportation landscape.

Sources By Agencies