By: Moneycontrol News March 6, 2024
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first underwater metro route in Kolkata today, marking a significant milestone in the country's infrastructure development.
This underwater service is part of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the Kolkata Metro's East-West corridor, spanning 16.6 km beneath the Hooghly River.
Connecting Howrah and Salt Lake, the twin cities of West Bengal's state capital, the metro route features three underground stations. Notably, it is anticipated to traverse a 520-meter stretch under the Hooghly river in a mere 45 seconds.
The newly-constructed tunnel's lower section is positioned 26 meters below the river's surface, with trains set to operate 16 meters beneath the riverbed. This marks India's first transportation initiative featuring a metro train traversing beneath a river.
According to the Ministry of Railways, approximately 10.8 kilometers of the route will be subterranean, while 5.75 kilometers will be elevated on a viaduct. The ministry noted that this project will significantly alleviate traffic congestion in Kolkata.
Prime Minister took a ride on the underwater metro line along with school students, accompanied by state BJP President Sukanta Majumder, and Bengal's Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.