Kolkata Gets India's First Underwater Metro
By Paromita Dey
Kolkata is making history with the inauguration of its first underwater metro on March 6, marking a significant milestone in India's infrastructure development. This project, part of the Kolkata Metro extension, includes the country's first transportation tunnel passing under a major river.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate this groundbreaking under-river metro tunnel, along with other key transit projects, signaling a major advancement in urban mobility and connectivity.
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| Kolkata's is India's first transportation tunnel passing under a major river |
The underwater corridor, spanning 4.8 km from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade, is the second section of the East-West Metro corridor connecting Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V, West Bengal's IT hub. Ticket prices range from Rs 5 to Rs 50, depending on the distance traveled, with fares increasing progressively from Rs 5 for the first two kilometers.
In April 2023, the first metro train reached Howrah Maidan under the river Hooghly, where the deepest metro station in the country, 33 meters below the surface, is located. The tunnel under the river, at a depth of 32 meters below water level, is expected to cover the 520-meter stretch in just 45 seconds, offering commuters a swift and efficient transportation option.
This underwater metro project represents a significant investment in Kolkata's transportation infrastructure, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity for residents and commuters. With Prime Minister Modi's inauguration of the under-river tunnel, Kolkata joins the ranks of global cities with innovative underground transit systems.
The completion of this project is a testament to the engineering prowess and determination of the teams involved, overcoming technical challenges to construct a tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. The depth of the tunnel and station highlights the engineering feat achieved, setting a new standard for metro construction in India.
Beyond its technical achievements, the underwater metro holds promise for enhancing the city's economic vitality by facilitating faster and more efficient travel for commuters, thereby supporting business growth and development along the metro route. Additionally, the affordable ticket pricing structure ensures accessibility for a wide range of commuters, making public transit a viable option for daily travel.
As Kolkata celebrates the inauguration of its first underwater metro, the city looks forward to reaping the benefits of improved transportation infrastructure, ushering in a new era of mobility and connectivity for its residents.
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