A historic event took place in Kolkata on March 6, 2024, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated India’s first underwater metro segment. This ground-breaking project will revolutionize city transportation and represents a major advancement in the nation’s infrastructure development.
A Journey Beneath the Hooghly River
For many years, the Kolkata Metro has been a crucial component of the city’s infrastructure, making millions of residents’ daily commutes easier. But as the city’s population increased, it became clear that the metro system needed to be updated and expanded. The East-West Metro Line, a project that would tunnel beneath the Hooghly River to create new ground as well as connect Kolkata’s eastern and western regions, provided the solution.
The Underwater Metro Tunnel
The metro tunnel connects Howrah and Salt Lake, the twin cities of Kolkata, and stretches an impressive 16.6 kilometers beneath the Hooghly River. Now let’s explore the intriguing specifics:
Engineering marvel: The Kolkata Metro’s Howrah Maidan-Esplanade line is unique in that it permits trains to operate underwater. Notably, the Howrah metro station has tunnels that extend 32 meters below sea level, making it the deepest in all of India.
Trials under the Hooghly River: In April 2023, Kolkata Metro created history by operating the first train in India through the tunnel beneath the river. This 4.8-kilometer stretch forms part of the East-West Metro corridor and connects Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V, the IT hub, and the Esplanade.
Swift Transit: In just 45 seconds, the underwater metro is predicted to travel 520 meters beneath the Hooghly River. Imagine the excitement of smoothly navigating between two busy areas of the city as you glide beneath the surface of the river!
Automatic Train Operation (ATO): The metro system makes use of a cutting-edge technology known as Automatic Train Operation, or ATO. The train automatically moves to the next station when the motorman presses a button, guaranteeing quick and secure travel.
Subterranean and Above-Ground: The Hooghly River tunnel is part of the 10.8 kilometers of the 16.6 kilometers that make up the East-West Metro. The remaining section offers both effective transit and beautiful views from its elevated position on a viaduct.
Challenges and Innovations
There were many difficulties in building an underwater metro tunnel, ranging from the riverbed’s geology to the project’s environmental effects. Engineers had to come up with creative solutions to guarantee the project’s sustainability and safety. One such invention was the tunnel boring machine (TBM), which installed concrete segments to line the tunnel while it was being excavated, lowering the possibility of a collapse.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
Throughout the entire construction process, environmental sustainability remained a top priority, despite the project’s complexity. To reduce interference with the riverbed and surrounding ecosystem, precautions were taken. To further lessen its carbon footprint, the metro line has energy-efficient features like regenerative braking.
A Symbol of Progress
The first underwater metro system in India is a representation of advancement and creativity rather than merely a means of transportation. It establishes a standard for upcoming developments throughout the nation and demonstrates India’s capacity to carry out ambitious infrastructure projects. The underwater metro is a monument to Kolkata’s ambition and will to embrace the future as the city grows and changes.
The Grand Inauguration
On March 6, 2024, the eagerly anticipated inauguration ceremony was held, and it was a lavish celebration. Dignitaries, officials, and the interested public attended the event, which was led by Prime Minister Modi. The world waits in eager anticipation for the doors to open on this ground-breaking underwater metro service as India dives into the future of transportation.
In summary, India’s first underwater metro is a representation of development and connectivity as well as technical mastery. Passengers board this marvel and set out on a journey that flows beneath the powerful Hooghly River, connecting the past and the future.
Conclusion
In summary, India’s first underwater metro is a representation of development and connectivity as well as technical mastery. Passengers board this marvel and set out on a journey that flows beneath the powerful Hooghly River, connecting the past and the future.
