Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to unveil India’s groundbreaking underwater metro system, marking a historic milestone for the nation. The inauguration ceremony of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro section in Kolkata is anticipated to be a grand affair, drawing the presence of esteemed dignitaries and officials. Following the inauguration, the metro service will become accessible to the public.
Discover the Wonders of Kolkata’s New Underwater Metro:
Impressive Length and Depth:
Covering a remarkable 16.6 km, Kolkata’s new underwater metro spans a depth of 10.8 km from Howrah Maidan to Phoolbagan, featuring an underground tunnel beneath the Hooghly River, making it the deepest of its kind in the country. The remaining portion of the metro is situated above ground.
Essential City Link:
A critical link between the twin cities of Howrah and Salt Lake is established through a 4.8 km section of the metro, promoting connectivity and accessibility.
Stations and Layout:
The underwater metro comprises six stations, with three strategically positioned underground, optimizing convenience for commuters.
Swift River Crossing:
Commuters will experience the thrill of covering a 520 m stretch of the river in a mere 45 seconds, emphasizing the efficiency and speed of this innovative mode of transportation.
Cutting-Edge Technology:
The metro employs Automatic Train Operation (ATO), a state-of-the-art system where the train advances to the next station with the simple press of a button by the motorman.
Affordable Ticket Prices:
Offering accessibility to all, ticket prices for the underwater metro start at a nominal ₹5 for the first two km, with subsequent tiers of ₹5, ₹10, ₹15, ₹20, ₹25, gradually reaching a maximum of ₹50.
Operational Stretches:
While the segment between Esplanade and Sealdah is still under construction, the operational stretch from Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah is currently active. Kolkata Metro plans to launch the complete East-West route between Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan in June or July.
Historical Achievement:
In April 2023, the Kolkata Metro achieved a historic feat by successfully running a train through the tunnel beneath the Hooghly River.
In addition to the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro, Prime Minister Modi will also inaugurate the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala-Majerhat metro sections in Kolkata, further cementing the city’s status as a pioneer in modern urban transportation.
