On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch Kolkata’s groundbreaking underwater metro service, marking a significant engineering achievement. The metro tunnel stretches 16.6 kilometers under the Hooghly River, connecting Howrah and Salt Lake. With six stations, including three underground, this innovative project promises to revolutionize Kolkata’s transportation system.
India’s First Underwater Metro Section
On March 6th, a significant event is set to take place in Kolkata, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s transportation history. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much-anticipated underwater metro section, a groundbreaking achievement in engineering. This metro tunnel, stretching an impressive 16.6 kilometers beneath the Hooghly River, symbolizes a leap forward in urban infrastructure.
The underwater metro project aims to connect Kolkata’s neighboring cities, Howrah and Salt Lake, fostering better connectivity and easing transportation for commuters. With a total of six stations planned, including three located underground, this project promises to revolutionize the way people travel in the region.
The inauguration ceremony is expected to be a grand affair, with Prime Minister Modi himself leading the event. Alongside him, numerous dignitaries and officials will be present to witness this historic moment. Additionally, members of the public will have the opportunity to experience the underwater metro firsthand on the day of its inauguration, marking a new era in Kolkata’s transportation landscape.
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Uniqueness of Kolkata’s Underwater Metro Station
- Embark on a journey through Kolkata Metro’s exceptional Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section, where innovation meets engineering brilliance, as trains traverse beneath the surface, earning the distinction of housing India’s deepest metro station at Howrah.
- Spanning a distance of 4.8 kilometers, this extraordinary stretch plunges below the majestic River Hooghly, weaving through the heart of Kolkata and connecting the bustling districts of Howrah and Salt Lake City, situated on opposite banks of this iconic waterway.
- In April 2023, Kolkata Metro etched its name in the annals of history by orchestrating trial runs of trains through the subterranean tunnel beneath the River Hooghly, marking a monumental milestone in India’s transportation landscape.
- Linking the vibrant locales of Howrah Maidan and Esplanade, this segment forms the cornerstone of the expansive East-West Metro corridor, seamlessly integrating key areas like the bustling IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V into Kolkata’s ever-expanding metro network.
- Prepare to be whisked away as the metro glides effortlessly through a 520-meter stretch beneath the river’s surface in a mere 45 seconds, a testament to its remarkable speed and operational efficiency.
- While the journey from Esplanade to Sealdah remains a work in progress, the stretch from Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah is already operational, boasting cutting-edge Automatic Train Operation (ATO) technology that ensures a smooth and streamlined commuting experience.
- Of the sprawling 16.6-kilometer expanse of the East-West Metro route, a significant 10.8 kilometers are nestled underground, including the awe-inspiring tunnel beneath the River Hooghly, with the remainder traversing above ground, offering passengers a captivating mix of subterranean and elevated vistas.
- Anticipate with bated breath as Kolkata Metro gears up to inaugurate commercial operations for the entire East-West route, seamlessly connecting Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan, with projections aiming for a launch by the months of June or July.
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India’s First Underwater Metro Section FAQs
Q.1. What is Kolkata’s underwater metro service?
Ans. Kolkata’s underwater metro service is a groundbreaking project connecting Howrah and Salt Lake City through a 16.6km tunnel under the Hooghly River.
Q.2. How many stations does the underwater metro have?
Ans. The underwater metro features six stations, including three underground stops.
Q.3. Who is inaugurating Kolkata’s underwater metro?
Ans. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate Kolkata’s underwater metro service on March 6th.
Q.4. What makes the underwater metro unique?
Ans. The underwater metro boasts innovative engineering, with trains traversing beneath the River Hooghly, promising a revolution in Kolkata’s transportation system.
Q.5. When will the underwater metro commence commercial operations?
Ans. Kolkata Metro aims to launch commercial operations for the entire East-West route, connecting Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan, by June or July.
