India’s First Underwater Metro Train Service - PM MODI
By Mariammal, Published on 6 months ago, 111 Views
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India’s First Underwater Metro Train Service Launched in Kolkata by PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's pioneering underwater metro train service in Kolkata, ushering in a landmark achievement in the nation's infrastructure and urban development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s pioneering underwater metro train service in Kolkata, ushering in a landmark achievement in the nation’s infrastructure and urban development. The service, which is a significant component of the Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor, is designed to enhance connectivity between Howrah and Salt Lake, the twin cities of West Bengal’s capital.
The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Section: A Technological Marvel
The underwater metro route is part of the extensive 16.6 km Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section, remarkable for its passage beneath the Hooghly River. The service includes three underground stations, with the metro expected to cover a 520-meter stretch under the river in just 45 seconds, showcasing impressive engineering and technological advancements.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Bengal Governor Dr. CV Ananda Bose, Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, and other dignitaries, marking a celebratory moment for the project, which had previously conducted successful trial runs in April 2023. The presence of students from various schools on the inaugural metro journey added a vibrant touch to the historic occasion.
Engineering and Construction Highlights
Positioned 26 meters below the river’s surface, the tunnel allows trains to operate 16 meters beneath the riverbed, showcasing India’s first venture of metro trains traveling under a river. This initiative is set to significantly mitigate traffic congestion in Kolkata, offering a sustainable and efficient alternative to road transport.
The Ministry of Railways revealed that 10.8 kilometers of the East-West Metro route would be underground, complemented by 5.75 kilometers of elevated sections. This blend of subterranean and elevated paths is expected to drastically improve urban mobility in the city.
Project Insights and Future Developments
The Kolkata Metro’s ambitious project encountered delays, notably due to an accident during tunnelling work in Bowbazar, but has now achieved a significant milestone with the commencement of the underwater metro service. The Prime Minister is also slated to inaugurate additional metro sections in Kolkata, further expanding the city’s metro network and enhancing public transportation facilities.
The underwater metro project, initiated in 2009 with tunnelling under the Hooghly River starting in 2017, has faced challenges, including an aquifer burst and subsequent ground subsidence in Bowbazar. Despite these hurdles, the project’s completion marks a significant step forward in tackling traffic congestion and air pollution, paving the way for a greener and more connected Kolkata.
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