Ipsita Priyadarsini 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated India’s first-ever under water metro route in Kolkata, a landmark project showcasing the nation’s stride towards infrastructure development. He also laid the foundation stone of multiple connectivity projects worth Rs 15,400 crore. This landmark event is the culmination of transforming Kolkata’s transportation landscape towards modernity as well as convenience. Spanning the River Hooghly, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section links the bustling cities of Kolkata and Howrah, catalyzing seamless connectivity. Covering a distance of 4.8 km, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section forms an integral segment of the East-West Metro corridor, connecting Howrah Maidan to the IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V.
The metro’s swift journey beneath the Hooghly riverbed lasts a mere 45 seconds, epitomizing efficiency and speed. With the underground corridor spanning 10.8 km between Howrah Maidan and Phoolbagan, the East-West Metro’s total length encompasses 16.6 km. The anticipation surrounding this project has been palpable since April 2023 when Kolkata Metro’s rakes embarked on their inaugural trial journey beneath the Hooghly’s riverbed. It was an unprecedented feat in the nation’s history.
he Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor, is a marvel of engineering prowess nestled beneath the iconic River Hooghly. Kolkata Metro’s Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section has set a precedent for such future endeavors. The Howrah metro station stands tall as the deepest in the country, a testament to Kolkata’s engineering prowess. Looking ahead, Kolkata Metro sets its sights on commencing commercial operations along the entire East-West alignment between Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan by June-July, signaling a promising future for urban commuters.
