On the 6th of March 2024, Kolkata witnessed a momentous occasion when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the inaugural underwater metro section in India.
This extraordinary engineering achievement covers a stretch of 16.6 kilometers beneath the Hooghly River, linking the twin cities of Kolkata – Howrah and Salt Lake.
Kolkata Underwater Metro – Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tunnel Length | 4.8 km |
| River Crossing | 520 meters |
| Travel Time Under River | 45 seconds |
| Deepest Station | Howrah Maidan (33 meters below surface) |
| Under the River | Hoogly |
| Total East-West Metro Length | 16.6 km |
| Underground Portion | 10.8 km |
| Anticipated Commercial Operation Start | June/July 2024 |
| Inaugurated by | PM Narendra Modi (6th March) |
Underwater Tunnel
- The metro tunnel stretches beneath the Hooghly River, marking a significant milestone as the first tunnel under a major river in India.
- Extending an impressive length of 4.8 kilometers, it establishes a vital connection from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade as an integral component of the East-West Metro. corridor.
Deep Station
- The Howrah metro station stands out not only as India’s initial underwater station but also claims the title of being the deepest.
- Positioned on the east bank of the Hooghly River, it contrasts with Salt Lake City, situated on the river’s west bank.
Speedy Commute
- Anticipated to traverse a 520-meter segment beneath the Hooghly River, the underwater metro is balanced to cover this distance swiftly, completing the journey in a mere 45 seconds.
Automatic Train Operation (ATO)
- The metro system employs ATO (Automatic Train Operation), signifying that the train advances automatically to the subsequent station once the motorman presses a button.
East-West Metro
- Within the extensive East-West Metro stretch covering 16.6 kilometers, a substantial 10.8 kilometers are located underground, encompassing the tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. The remaining portion of the route extends above ground.
Commercial Operations
- Kolkata Metro has set its sights on commencing commercial operations for the complete East-West route, connecting Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan, tentatively scheduled for around June or July.
The inauguration ceremony unfolded as a splendid celebration, symbolizing a momentous stride in India’s infrastructure development and revolutionizing city commuting. As the doors swung open for this groundbreaking underwater metro service, the world observed with eager anticipation.