Introduction
Kolkata’s first underwater metro trial, part of the 8,575-crore East-West Metro, saw 24 lakh passengers in two months, marking progress in sustainable transportation. it can be considered as a milestone in civil engineering Construction.
A Historic Moment: The Underwater Trial Run![??]()
Despite challenges, the 8,575-crore East-West Metro, spanning 16.6 km, connects Kolkata, aiming to ease traffic. It will link Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan, with 12 stations.
Faster Travel Time![?]()
The underwater metro cuts travel time significantly. A 20-minute road trip from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan now takes just 5 minutes, benefiting daily commuters.
Eco-Friendly Transportation![??]()
The underwater metro project not only improves travel but also promotes eco-friendliness by reducing pollution, contributing to a cleaner Kolkata and India.
Kolkata Underwater Metro Insights
1.Inauguration and Passenger Traffic: The newly inaugurated underwater stretch of the Kolkata Metro, connecting Howrah to the state capital.recorded approximately 24 lakh passengers commuting through it in the last two months, as per a statement from the Railway.
2.Commercial Services: Commercial metro services commenced on March 15 for two key stretches: from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade on the Green Line 2, and from Kavi Subhash (New Garia) to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby More) on the Orange Line.
3.Green Line 2 Footfall: The Green Line 2, which includes a portion running under the river Ganga, witnessed 24 lakh commuters, generating Rs 3.40 crore in revenue. Howrah Metro station emerged as the busiest station, with a passenger count of 11.67 lakh.
4.Orange Line Traffic: On the Orange Line, over 55 thousand passengers traveled, contributing Rs 11.64 lakh in revenue for the Metro.
5.Howrah-Esplanade Corridor: India’s first transportation tunnel under the river spans 4.8 km, with a 1.2 km segment running 30 meters beneath the Hooghly River, connecting Howrah Maidan and Esplanade. The Metro train service on this corridor was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023.
Some additional points to enhance the discussion about the Kolkata Metro:
1. Integration with Existing Transport Systems: Kolkata Metro connects with other transportation modes, like buses and trains, making it easy for passengers to switch between them.
2. Technological Advancements:Kolkata Metro uses modern tech like automatic trains and advanced signals to ensure safety, efficiency, and a good passenger experience.
3. Economic Impact: Building and running the Kolkata Metro boosts the economy by creating jobs and making it easier to reach shops and homes.
4. Social Equity and Inclusivity:Projects like Kolkata Metro help everyone travel easily, especially low-income people, students, seniors, and those with disabilities, making society fairer.
5. Future Expansion and Development:The East-West Metro’s success paves the way for more metro lines, extensions, and connections in Kolkata, improving transportation and sustainability.
Conclusion
Kolkata Metro’s underwater trial is historic, showcasing India’s commitment to better infrastructure and transportation, promising faster, eco-friendly commuting.