India's First Underwater Metro Tunnel Inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kolkata

On 6th March, PM Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata marking a milestone in the nation's infrastructure development. This project connects Howrah Maidan to Esplanade passing under the Hooghly River. Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section spans below the river linking Kolkata and Howrah City. An impressive aspect is that the metro will cover a 520 meter stretch under the river in just 45 seconds.

Overview of the East-West Metro Corridor

This stretch spanning 4.8 km between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade is part of the larger East-West Metro corridor connecting Howrah Maidan to the IT hub Salt Lake Sector V. Out of the total 16.6 km length 10.8 km runs underground between Howrah Maidan and Phoolbagan including the tunnel under the Hooghly River and the rest consists of an elevated corridor. The newly built tunnel is located 26 meters below the surface of the river, and the trains will run 16 meters below the riverbed. This is India's first metro train route to go under a river.

The Kolkata Metro is set to commence commercial operations along the entire East-West alignment spanning from Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan by the months of June to July. After the inauguration Prime Minister Narendra Modi rode the metro from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan joined by school children. Before the event students were thrilled to travel with him on India's first underwater metro. He was warmly welcomed by a large crowd of supporters cheering loudly for him.

The underwater metro service is a crucial development in Kolkata's transportation network expected to alleviate traffic congestion this initiative marks India's first metro train traversing beneath a river positioning the country at the forefront of innovative transportation solutions.

Project Challenges

Last year, Kolkata Metro conducted a historic test run of two six coach trains in the underwater tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. The project, originally planned for completion by December 2021 faced delays due to accidents during tunneling work in central Kolkata's Bowbazar area.

Later today, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala-Majerhat Metro sections in Kolkata. Following this, PM Modi will address a public rally in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district.

Final Words

Inauguration of India's first underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata marks a momentous achievement in the nation's infrastructure landscape. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's active involvement reflects the government's commitment to pioneering transportation solutions and boosting economic growth. With further expansions and developments underway this project promises to reshape Kolkata's urban mobility and drive India towards a more sustainable and connected future.