PM Narendra Modi marked a historic moment on Wednesday as he inaugurated India’s maiden underwater Metro line in Howrah Kolkata. Accompanied by a group of enthusiastic school students, Modi embarked on a significant journey, taking a ride on the train from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan. This inaugural trip not only symbolized a milestone achievement in India’s transportation infrastructure but also showcased the nation’s progress in engineering and innovation.
Additionally, PM Modi virtually inaugurated several other Metro services across the country, emphasizing the government’s commitment to enhancing urban transportation networks nationwide.
Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Section Opens with Remarkable Features
The newly opened Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the underwater Metro line boasts several remarkable features. It proudly holds the distinction of being India’s first transportation tunnel to pass beneath a river. Spanning under the majestic Hooghly River, with Kolkata and Howrah situated on its east and west banks respectively, the Metro line connects these bustling cities with unprecedented efficiency. Notably, the Metro station at Howrah, positioned 30 meters beneath the surface, clinches the title of the deepest Metro station in India, signifying a feat of modern engineering and construction prowess.
As India gears up for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the government is actively expanding the Howrah Kolkata Metro network to facilitate seamless connectivity and ease commuting woes. A substantial addition of 11.45 kilometers is underway, comprising extensions on the Orange Line (5.4 km), Green Line (4.8 km), and Purple Line (1.25 km). This ambitious expansion initiative underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing public transportation infrastructure, fostering economic growth, and improving the quality of life for citizens across the country.
Remarkable Expansion Fuels Urban Connectivity Growth
According to officials, the Howrah Kolkata Metro network has seen significant growth since its inception in 1984. From 1984 until 2014, only 27.99 kilometers of the Metro network were operational. However, following 2014, there was a notable expansion, with 25.34 kilometers added to the network.
The expansion began with the inauguration of the first phase of the East-West Metro in 2020, stretching from Salt Lake Sector V to Salt Lake Stadium over 5.3 kilometers. Subsequently, the network continued to expand gradually. The stretches from Salt Lake Stadium to Phoolbagan (1.67 km) and from Phoolbagan to Sealdah (2.33 km) were opened for commercial service.
In 2021, the Noapara-Dakshineswar stretch (4.14 km) was inaugurated, further extending the Metro’s reach. Following this, in 2022, the Joka-Taratala stretch (6.5 km) on the Purple Line was also opened for commuters.
Kolkata Metro Sees Record Expansion
Metro authorities reported that the years 2022-2023 witnessed the most significant expansion in the Metro network’s history, with 14.23 kilometers added in a single year. This expansion accounted for a remarkable 36 percent increase in the existing network since the inception of the Kolkata Metro. This expansion not only reflects the city’s growing transportation needs but also highlights the concerted efforts to improve urban mobility and connectivity for residents.
Officials have reported significant growth in the Kolkata Metro network since its establishment in 1984. During the period from 1984 to 2014, only 27.99 kilometers of the Metro network were operational. However, a notable expansion occurred after 2014, adding 25.34 kilometers to the network.
The expansion commenced with the inauguration of the first phase of the East-West Metro in 2020, covering a distance of 5.3 kilometers from Salt Lake Sector V to Salt Lake Stadium. Subsequently, the network witnessed gradual expansion. Sections from Salt Lake Stadium to Phoolbagan (1.67 km) and from Phoolbagan to Sealdah (2.33 km) were opened for commercial service.
In 2021, the Noapara-Dakshineswar stretch (4.14 km) was inaugurated, further extending the Metro’s coverage. Following this, in 2022, the Joka-Taratala stretch (6.5 km) on the Purple Line was also made accessible to commuters.
Metro authorities have noted that the years 2022-2023 marked the most significant expansion in the Metro network’s history, with 14.23 kilometers added in a single year. This remarkable expansion constituted a 36 percent increase in the existing network since the Kolkata Metro’s inception. Such expansion underscores the city’s growing transportation demands and underscores concerted efforts to enhance urban mobility and connectivity for residents.
New Metro Corridor from Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Stretch: Enhancing Kolkata’s Transportation Landscape
Kolkata’s New 5.4 km Metro Corridor
The newly constructed 5.4 km Metro corridor, stretching from Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, stands as a testament to Howrah Kolkata’s commitment to modernizing its transportation infrastructure. Built at a cost of Rs 1,435 crore, this corridor showcases a blend of innovation and connectivity, serving as a vital link in the city’s transit network.
Highlighting the city’s rich cultural heritage, the five stations along this stretch bear the names of eminent luminaries such as film maestro Satyajit Ray, writer Jyotirindra Nandi, poets Sukanta Bhattacharya and Subhash Mukhopadhyay, and renowned singer Hemanta Mukhopadhyay. This gesture not only pays homage to these influential figures but also adds a cultural dimension to the Metro experience.
The introduction of this Metro corridor aims to alleviate congestion along the bustling Eastern Metropolitan Bypass while significantly reducing travel time between Kavi Subhash and Rabi Thakur More. Furthermore, commuters hailing from Howrah, Hooghly, and North 24 Parganas on the Blue Line can seamlessly access Metro services on the Orange Line, utilizing the same tokens and smart cards through interchange facilities at Kavi Subhash station, thanks to the integrated ticketing system.
The inception of the Metro project from New Garia (Kavi Subhash) to Airport (Biman Bandar) dates back to 2010-11 when it was sanctioned as an elevated corridor with an initial cost of Rs 3,952 crore. Over time, the project’s scope expanded, with the revised sanctioned cost now standing at Rs 8,964 crore. While work on the Metro line between New Garia and the airport is still underway, a significant milestone was achieved with the completion of the 5.4 km section from New Garia to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay.
Authorized by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) on February 7, 2023, through the One Train Only System, this section marks a crucial step forward in Howrah Kolkata’s Metro expansion endeavors. Its inauguration signifies a significant achievement in the city’s journey towards a more efficient and interconnected urban transportation system.
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