Kolkata, West Bengal: Today marked a historic moment as India’s first underwater metro line commenced public operations in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. Commuters eagerly queued up for the inaugural ride on the country’s maiden underwater train journey, a feat of engineering marvel.
Amidst applause and chants of ‘Vande Bharat’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, passengers embarked on the inaugural journey from the Howrah Maidan station on the East-West metro corridor at 7 am. Simultaneously, another train set off from the Esplanade station, marking a significant milestone in Kolkata’s metropolitan transportation network.
The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section, situated beneath the Hooghly River, spans a tunnel length of 520 meters underwater, symbolizing a groundbreaking achievement in urban infrastructure.
Passengers expressed gratitude and excitement, with one holding a placard thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the remarkable achievement. Another passenger shared their enthusiasm, highlighting the ease of acquiring tickets, with the entire process taking merely 10 minutes.
Adorned with blue LED lights, the tunnel’s ambiance mirrors the serene waters of the Hooghly River. Operating on weekdays with a frequency of every 12 to 15 minutes, the Kolkata underwater metro offers convenient commuting options, with the last service available at 9:45 pm in both directions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated metro operations in Kolkata on March 6, underscoring the government’s commitment to enhancing urban mobility. In addition to the underwater metro, he inaugurated other key sections of the metro network, including the Kavi Subhash – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala – Majerhat sections, further demonstrating a holistic approach towards modernizing urban infrastructure.
Furthermore, PM Modi flagged off multiple connectivity projects worth ₹ 15,400 crore across the country, including the Pune Metro’s extension, Kochi Metro Rail Phase I Extension, and the Agra Metro, among others, showcasing the government’s relentless efforts to revolutionize public transportation nationwide.
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