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Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment today, March 6, by inaugurating India’s maiden under-river metro tunnel in Kolkata. This remarkable feat connects Howrah Maidan to the Esplanade, traversing beneath Kolkata’s iconic Hooghly River. Accompanied by enthusiastic schoolchildren, PM Modi embarked on a metro ride from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan, creating an unforgettable experience for all involved.
Key Features of India’s First Under-River Metro Tunnel:
Hooghly River Passage
The newly inaugurated metro section traverses under the River Hooghly, linking the eastern and western banks where Kolkata and Howrah City are situated respectively.
Swift Connectivity
Official reports indicate that the metro will cover a 520-metre stretch under the river Hooghly in a mere 45 seconds, ensuring efficient and rapid transit for commuters.
East-West Metro Corridor
Spanning 4.8 kilometers between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade, this section constitutes the second segment of the East-West Metro corridor, connecting Howrah Maidan to the IT hub Salt Lake Sector V.
Underground Corridor
Out of the total 16.6 kilometers of the East-West Metro, 10.8 kilometers comprise the underground corridor between Howrah Maidan and Phoolbagan, with the highlight being the tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. The remaining stretch is elevated.
Read also: Kolkata makes history with India’s First Under-River Metro launch
Commercial Operation Timeline
Kolkata Metro authorities are targeting June-July to commence commercial operations for the entire East-West alignment between Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan, enhancing connectivity and accessibility across the city.
Other Inaugurations and Foundations Laid by PM Modi
In addition to inaugurating the under-river metro tunnel, PM Modi presided over several other significant inaugurations and foundation stone layings during today’s event at the Esplanade metro station. These include:
- Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section of the New Garia-Airport line.
- Duhai-Modinagar (North) segment of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor.
- Taratala-Majerhat stretch of the Joka-Esplanade line within Kolkata Metro, India’s oldest metro network.
- Ruby Hall Clinic-Ramwadi extension within the Pune Metro.
- SN Junction to Tripunithura section of the Kochi Metro.
- Taj East Gate-Mankameshwar section of the Agra Metro.
- Foundation stone laying for the extension of the Pune Metro between Pimpri Chinchwad and Nigdi.
Read also: Telangana CM Revanth Reddy calls PM Modi as a “Bada Bhai”
