Unveiling India’s First Underwater Metro: A Historic Milestone in Kolkata’s Transport Network
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently inaugurated India’s first underwater metro service in Kolkata, West Bengal, marking a significant advancement in the city’s transportation infrastructure. This groundbreaking project showcases India’s engineering prowess and represents a monumental achievement for the country’s metro systems.
Unveiling the Underwater Marvel:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor, which includes the country’s first underwater metro service. The tunnel passes beneath the Hooghly River, connecting Kolkata and Howrah, and boasts the deepest metro station in India, located at Howrah.
Engineering Feats:
The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section is a marvel of engineering, with the tunnel situated 13 meters below the riverbed and 33 meters below the surface level. It comprises four stations – Esplanade, Mahakaran, Howrah, and Howrah Maidan – allowing commuters to traverse the route in just 45 seconds.
Historical Context:
The concept of an underwater transportation system in Kolkata dates back to 1921, proposed by the British. However, it is only now, in 2024, that this vision has become a reality, showcasing the city’s progress in infrastructure development.
Kolkata Metro Legacy:
The Kolkata Metro, India’s oldest metro system, has a rich history dating back to 1949 when Dr. B.C. Roy, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, conceived the idea. Since its inception in 1984, the Kolkata Metro has expanded significantly, with recent additions contributing to its status as a key component of the city’s public transportation network.
Facts and Figures:
- Kolkata Metro holds the distinction of being India’s oldest metro system.
- The newest addition to India’s metro network is in Navi Mumbai, spanning 11.1 km.
- Delhi Metro boasts the title of the largest metro system in India, covering 347 km.
- Kanpur Metro is the smallest metro system in India, with a route length of 8.73 km.
- Delhi Metro is renowned as the busiest metro system in terms of ridership.
- The East-West Metro station at Howrah holds the record for being India’s deepest metro station, situated 30 meters below ground level.
Expansion and Future Prospects:
The inauguration of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section is part of a larger expansion plan for the Kolkata Metro, aimed at enhancing urban mobility and connectivity. Additional projects, including extensions and new corridors, are underway to further improve the city’s metro network.
Final thought:
The inauguration of India’s first underwater metro service in Kolkata marks a significant milestone in the city’s transportation history. This engineering marvel not only showcases India’s technological capabilities but also underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure to support urban growth and development. As Kolkata continues to evolve, its metro system stands as a testament to progress and innovation in India’s public transportation sector.
FAQs
QUE – What is the significance of India’s first underwater metro inaugurated in Kolkata?
ANS – The underwater metro is a marvel of engineering, passing beneath the Hooghly River and connecting Kolkata and Howrah.
QUE -Which section of the Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor has been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
ANS – The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section, which includes the country’s first transportation tunnel under a river, was inaugurated.
QUE – What are the key features of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the Kolkata Metro?
ANS – It is 4.8 km long, with the deepest metro station in India at Howrah, situated 30 meters below ground level.
QUE – How deep is the underwater tunnel beneath the Hooghly River?
ANS – The tunnel is situated 13 meters below the riverbed and 33 meters below the surface level.
QUE – What is the total cost of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the Kolkata Metro?
ANS – The section was built at a cost of ₹4,965 crore.
QUE – Which metro project was inaugurated in Agra, and what is its significance?
ANS – The Agra Metro priority corridor was inaugurated to provide modern transportation facilities, connecting key locations such as Taj Mahal and Mankameshwar Temple.
QUE – What is the current length of the Kolkata Metro network, and how much has it expanded since its inception?
ANS – The network spans 47.93 km, with significant expansions made after 2014, adding 25.34 km to the existing network.
QUE – Who was responsible for the planning and design assistance of the Kolkata Metro in its early stages?
ANS – The Soviet Union (now Russia) provided planning and design assistance for the Kolkata Metro project.
QUE – How has the Kolkata Metro network expanded in recent years?
ANS – Between 2022 and 2023, the network experienced its highest-ever expansion of 14.23 km, representing a 36% increase since its inception.
QUE – What role did Prime Minister Narendra Modi play in inaugurating multiple metro projects across India?
ANS – PM Modi inaugurated several metro projects, including the Kolkata underwater corridor, as part of his visit to various states and union territories.
QUE – Which metro project in Kolkata aims to reduce travel time and decongest traffic on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass?
ANS – The New Metro Corridor from Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, spanning 5.4 km, aims to achieve this objective.
QUE – What is the historical significance of the Kolkata Metro?
ANS – It is India’s oldest metro rail system, with its first section inaugurated in 1984 under the leadership of Dr. B.C. Roy, the then Chief Minister of West Bengal.
QUE – What are some notable facts about metro systems worldwide mentioned in the provided paragraphs?
ANS – Information about the deepest metro station globally, the largest metro station, and other notable metro systems such as the Budapest Metro and the Dubai Metro is provided.
QUE – What are the financial expenditures associated with Kolkata Metro projects over the years?
ANS – Between 1972 and 2014, ₹5,981 crore was spent, while from 2014 to October 2023, ₹19,043 crore was spent to complete ongoing projects.
QUE – How does the inauguration of the Kolkata Metro’s Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section contribute to urban mobility and connectivity?
ANS – The section provides seamless connectivity between key areas, including the IT hub Salt Lake Sector V, and helps decongest road traffic in Kolkata.
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