Kolkata Makes a Splash: India's First Underwater Metro Line Takes the Plunge

Kolkata,  the "City of Joy,"  has added a new feather to its cap. On March 6,  2024,  Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated India's first-ever underwater metro line,  marking a historic moment for the country's infrastructure and transportation landscape.

(Photo credit: PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated India's first-ever underwater metro line

Read More: PM Modi Dives Deep, Offers Prayers at Submerged Dwarka: A Day of Emotion and History

A Feat of Engineering

This groundbreaking project,  part of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of Kolkata's East-West Corridor,  boasts a 4.8-kilometer stretch running beneath the mighty Hooghly River. This feat of engineering marvelously connects Howrah, a bustling hub,  with Salt Lake,  the state's IT nerve center.

Highlights of the Project

1) Pioneering Innovation: This underwater metro line stands tall as the first of its kind in India,  a testament to the nation's growing technological prowess.

2) Swift and Efficient: Passengers can expect a speedy journey,  with the train traversing the 520-meter underwater section of the Hooghly in a mere 45 seconds.

3) Reaching New Depths: The Howrah Maidan station,  situated along this corridor, holds the distinction of being the deepest metro station in the country.

4) Investment in Progress: The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section is estimated to have cost a substantial ₹4,965 crore, reflecting the commitment to Kolkata's infrastructure development.

A Symbolic Journey and a Promising Future

The Prime Minister personally rode the first trip of the underwater metro,  joined by a bunch of school kids,  highlighting how important the project is for generations to come. This happened at the same time as the launch of various other metro projects all over India,  showing how the country is still dedicated to enhancing city connections and public transport.

#WATCH | West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi travels with school students in India's first underwater metro train in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/95s42MNWUS

— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2024

The Prime Minister had a busy day kicking off new transportation projects! He announced a massive ₹15,400 crores investment to improve India's connectivity infrastructure.

The report included some promising advancements in metro and rapid transit systems for several urban centers. Here in Kolkata,  the much-anticipated underwater metro got the green light,  along with the Kavi Subhash - Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala - Majerhat sections. It's going to be much easier to travel around.

But that's not all! The Prime Minister virtually launched a bunch of other important projects in different parts of the country. This includes new stretches for the Pune Metro,  Kochi Metro,  and Agra Metro. It seems like things are moving fast on the transportation front!

This mind blowing completion of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section opens the way for  further growth in Kolkata's metro network.