The city of Kolkata has recently made history with its first underwater metro trial run, which is a part of the ambitious ₹8,575-crore East-West Metro project. This unique underwater venture is aimed at improving connectivity within the city while also promoting eco-friendly and sustainable transportation solutions. In this blog, we will delve into the details of this incredible achievement and its implications for the future of public transportation in India.
🌊 A Historic Moment: The Underwater Trial Run
The Kolkata Metro successfully conducted its first underwater trial run on September 28, 2023, traveling from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan and crossing the Hooghly River. The underwater stretch spans 520 meters, and the metro will be able to accommodate up to 9 lakh daily commuters. The trial run marks a significant milestone in Indian transportation and infrastructure.
⏱️ Faster Travel Time
One of the most significant benefits of the underwater metro is the drastic reduction in travel time. The journey between Esplanade and Howrah Maidan, which usually takes about 20 minutes by road, will be shortened to just 5 minutes. This time-saving aspect of the project will undoubtedly ease the lives of countless daily commuters and promote a more efficient public transportation system.
🌱 Eco-Friendly Transportation
The underwater metro project not only offers improved connectivity but also emphasizes sustainability and eco-friendliness. By promoting the use of public transportation, the metro aims to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, which in turn decreases emissions and mitigates pollution. This innovative project is a significant step toward building a greener and more sustainable future for Kolkata and India as a whole.
🚇 East-West Metro Project Overview
The ₹8,575-crore East-West Metro project covers a total distance of 16.6 km, connecting various parts of Kolkata and aiming to ease traffic congestion in the densely populated city. Upon completion, the metro will connect Kolkata’s Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan, with 12 stations in between. The project has faced numerous challenges and delays over the years, but the successful trial run signals that the long-awaited underwater metro is finally becoming a reality.
Key Features of the East-West Metro:
- Stations: Salt Lake Sector V, Karunamoyee, Central Park, City Centre, Bengal Chemical, Salt Lake Stadium, Phoolbagan, Sealdah, Esplanade, Mahakaran, Howrah, and Howrah Maidan.
- Technology: Equipped with modern safety features like Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology for driverless operations.
- Accessibility: Designed to be accessible for differently-abled individuals with facilities such as elevators, ramps, and tactile paths.
Despite facing numerous challenges, such as land acquisition issues, technical difficulties, and pandemic-related delays, the project is now nearing completion. The successful trial run is a testament to the resilience and determination of the teams involved.
💡 Challenges Overcome
The construction of the underwater metro came with its share of hurdles. Key challenges included:
- Tunneling under the Hooghly River: Using advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), engineers had to ensure precision and safety while working in a high-pressure underwater environment.
- Waterproofing the Tunnels: Ensuring that the tunnels remain leak-proof was a critical task, as even minor breaches could compromise the structure.
- Land Acquisition Delays: Acquiring land for stations and tunnels in densely populated urban areas like Sealdah and Bowbazar slowed down progress.
- Heritage Concerns: Kolkata, being a historic city, posed challenges in balancing development with the preservation of its heritage sites.
🔮 Implications for India’s Public Transportation Future
The success of Kolkata’s underwater metro sets a precedent for similar projects in other Indian cities. With urbanization on the rise, cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bengaluru are exploring innovative transportation solutions to tackle congestion and pollution.
The East-West Metro project also reinforces the Make in India initiative, as it features locally manufactured components and technology. Additionally, the project aligns with the government’s vision of promoting smart cities and sustainable urban living.
Conclusion🎯
Kolkata Metro’s underwater trial run is a historic moment for India and a testament to the country’s dedication to advancing its infrastructure and public transportation systems. The East-West Metro project has the potential to revolutionize commuting in Kolkata, offering reduced travel time and promoting sustainable, eco-friendly transportation. As the project progresses, it’s exciting to see the possibilities and the impact this underwater metro will have on the city and its residents.