PM Modi Inaugurates India’s First Under-River Metro Tunnel in Kolkata: A Landmark Moment in Urban Connectivity

PM Modi is set to inaugurate a milestone achievement in Kolkata – India’s first under-river metro tunnel. The inauguration will also mark the opening of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section, alongside the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala-Majerhat Metro sections, significantly expanding Kolkata’s metro network.

This groundbreaking project features a 4.8-km tunnel connecting Howrah Maidan and Esplanade, including a remarkable 1.2-km section positioned 30 meters beneath the Hooghly River, making it India’s first transportation tunnel under a major river. Remarkably, the Howrah metro station will be recognized as the deepest in the country.

While the inauguration of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section is scheduled for today, passenger services will commence at a later date, as per the Central Railways.

Part of the East-West Metro Corridor project, this tunnel is a vital component of a larger initiative spanning from Sector V to Sealdah, with future expansion planned to Howrah Maidan. The project, conceived in 1971 and approved in July 2008, aims to address traffic congestion, enhance air quality, and improve mass transit accessibility.

With a cost of Rs 4,138 crore, the East-West Metro stretch promises substantial benefits for commuters from distant areas such as Hooghly, Midnapore, and Howrah, as well as neighboring states. The swift journey under the river offers speed and efficiency, bolstering Kolkata’s connectivity and urban mobility.

Despite challenges, including aquifer bursts and ground subsidence, the project has progressed since its inception in 2009, with tunneling under the River Hooghly commencing in 2017.

This initiative aligns with endeavors to complete pending railway infrastructure projects in West Bengal, evident in the increased budget allocation over the past nine years. Expenditure on metro projects in Kolkata and its vicinity has surged, reflecting a significant acceleration in project completion efforts.

PM Modi’s inauguration underscores the ongoing expansion of Kolkata’s metro network, further enhancing the city’s transportation infrastructure and connectivity.