PM Modi inaugurates India’s first underwater Metro Rail service in Kolkata
As a landmark in India’s infrastructural development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first underwater Metro Service in Kolkata, West Bengal on Wednesday. Post inauguration, the PM enjoyed a Metro ride from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan accompanied by school students. He also interacted with Metro railway staff during the train ride.
During his visit to the ‘City of Joy’ on March 6, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of multiple projects worth Rs 15,400 crore. Later in the day, the PM also unveiled the Kavi Subhash – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Metro section and Taratala – Majerhat Metro section, which is part of Joka- Esplanade line.
The Howrah Maidan – Esplanade Metro section of Kolkata Metro has India’s first underwater transportation tunnel. Howrah Metro Station is the deepest metro station in India. The Majerhat Metro Station, on the Taratala – Majerhat Metro section inaugurated today, is a unique elevated Metro station across railway lines, platforms and canal.
The inauguration event was also graced by West Bengal Governor Dr. CV Ananda Bose, state BJP President Sukanta Majumder, and Bengal’s Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari along with other dignitaries.
Features
<> This underwater route is part of the Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor
<> It will connect Howrah Maidan with Esplanade
<> The route spans 16.6 km beneath the Hooghly River, which has Kolkata and Howrah on its either banks
<> Travel time for 520-meter stretch under the Hooghly river is just 45 seconds
<> The metro route has 6 stations out of which 3 are underground
<> The Deepest Metro station in India is at Howrah with a depth of 30 metres
<> The Kolkata Metro network will be getting an additional 11.45 km route (5.4 km on the Orange Line, 4.8 km on the Green Line and 1.25 km on the Purple Line)
<> Ticket prices are affordable – starting at Rs 5 only
<> Passengers can enjoy uninterrupted mobile network connectivity even under water
Easing Traffic congestion
This underwater Metro service is expected to be a green move in a way of combating the city’s air pollution. It will also help to alleviate traffic congestion especially in busy hours. Highlighting this point, the Prime Minister tweeted:
It’s a very special day for the people of Kolkata as the city’s metro network gets significantly enhanced. Connectivity will get a boost and traffic will get decongested. It’s a proud moment that the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro section has the first underwater metro… pic.twitter.com/7DYviRa7Tb
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 6, 2024
