PM Modi’s Metro Ride with School Students
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s groundbreaking underwater metro line in Kolkata, embarking on a metro ride accompanied by school students.
2. Interaction with Students
During the metro journey from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan, PM Modi engaged with students, fostering a memorable experience for the young passengers.
India’s First Underwater Metro
1. Revolutionary Project
The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor marks India’s debut into underwater metro services, boasting the country’s deepest metro station at Howrah Metro Station.
2. Subaquatic Tunnel
Located beneath the Hooghly River, which separates Kolkata and Howrah, the metro line achieved a milestone with its tunnel traversing 32 meters below the water level, setting a precedent for subaquatic transportation in India.
Key Milestones and Features
1. Vital Connectivity
Spanning a 4.8-km distance between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade, the underwater metro segment serves as a crucial link in the East-West Metro corridor, facilitating connectivity to significant areas like Salt Lake Sector V, an IT hub.
2. Project Cost and Scope
The 4.8-km stretch, constructed at a cost of ₹ 4,965 crore, comprises 10.8 km of underground infrastructure, including the subaqueous tunnel, contributing to the overall 16.6 km East-West Metro corridor.
Engineering Feats and Speed
1. Swift Passage Under the River
Metro trains are anticipated to traverse the 520-meter underwater stretch in just 45 seconds, showcasing the efficiency and speed of the underwater metro system.
2. Commencement and Progress
Initiated in 2009, the East-West corridor project commenced tunneling under the Hooghly River in 2017, culminating in the successful inauguration of India’s first underwater metro line.
Pioneering India’s Transport Landscape
The inauguration of India’s first underwater metro line in Kolkata heralds a new era in the country’s transportation infrastructure, blending innovation with connectivity. As the project sets new benchmarks, it symbolizes India’s commitment to embracing modern transportation solutions.