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Underwater Metro in Kolkata | Line Commences
A major event took place in Kolkata on Friday with the launch of India's first underwater metro train, a huge advancement in the country's transportation system. The first commercial service began with two trains departing at 7 am from Howrah Maidan and Esplanade stations along the East-West metro corridor. The enthusiastic crowd of passengers welcomed this historic moment with cheers and applause.
Hundreds of excited early risers gathered to be part of the inaugural journey. At Howrah Maidan station, eager passengers lined up for tickets, while at Esplanade station, they were greeted with roses. The atmosphere was vibrant, with cries of 'Jai Sri Ram' echoing as passengers boarded the trains. The underwater portion beneath the Hooghly River was a standout feature, as travelers were captivated by the illuminated tunnel walls designed to resemble the surrounding water.
A New Dawn in Metro Rail Services
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section on March 6, introducing India to its first underwater metro service. The 520-metre under-river passage takes approximately 45 seconds to cross, offering a quick and novel commute.
"So far, we get an overwhelming response, and people even came as early as 2.30 am to experience the first underwater metro services in the country," said Metro Railway spokesperson Kaushik Mitra, reflecting the public's enthusiasm.
The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section is a game-changer for Kolkata's transportation system. Howrah Metro station, part of this stretch, holds the distinction of being the country's deepest metro station. This project, costing Rs 4,965 crore for the 4.8-km stretch from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade, is a testament to the city's infrastructural advancements.
Overcoming Challenges
The East-West corridor project, initiated in 2009 with tunneling under the Hooghly River starting in 2017, has faced its share of difficulties. A significant setback occurred on August 31, 2019, when an aquifer burst at Bowbazar in central Kolkata causing severe ground subsidence and the collapse of several buildings. Further challenges arose with two more water leakage incidents at the same site in 2022 during ongoing tunnelling and construction work.
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Despite these obstacles, the successful launch of the underwater metro service represents a major achievement for Kolkata and India's urban transportation landscape. The Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah stretch of the corridor is already operational, further enhancing the network's reach and efficiency.
As this pioneering project moves forward, it underscores the potential for innovative solutions in addressing urban mobility challenges, making history in the process.
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