In the historical annals of Kolkata, West Bengal, a significant milestone was etched on October 24, 1984, as the inaugural subterranean journey of a train marked India’s entry onto the global Metro Railway communication map, courtesy of the Kolkata Metro.
Swiftly evolving into the metropolis’s vital circulatory system, the underground transport network is on the brink of a new chapter. March 6 will witness the inauguration of the nation’s inaugural subaqueous Metro train, traversing the East-West Metro corridor from Howrah to Esplanade. Commuters will be greeted by a gentle sweep of azure light as the trains navigate the subterranean depths beneath the Hooghly River.
Dipping into historical archives, Metro authorities reveal that the British first envisioned a tube railway linking Howrah and Kolkata in 1921. However, this concept lay dormant until 1969, when the Metropolitan Transport Project materialized, sketching out five distinct routes for Kolkata’s Metro network after extensive deliberation.
The North-South Corridor, covering nearly 33 kilometers from Dakshineswar to New Garia, became the inaugural route. Subsequently, in 2008, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government sanctioned the East-West Metro corridor, and its foundation stone was laid in 2009.
The envisioned stretch from Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan spans approximately 16.55 kilometers, representing a tangible effort to link Kolkata and Howrah across the River Hooghly. This new corridor seamlessly blends subterranean and elevated stations, mirroring its elder sibling.
The operational first phase from Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah boasts state-of-the-art, fail-safe technology. A Communication-Based Train Control signaling system and screen doors enhance passenger safety. Sealdah Railway Station, a bustling terminal, stands witness to this modern marvel.
Deeper into the depths lies Howrah Metro Station, the corridor’s deepest station, akin to a 10-storey structure. The station comprises five levels, featuring four concourses and platforms. While Indian Railways operates its ground-level suburban and long-distance services, the metro trains gracefully maneuver underground.
The subaqueous tunnels, stretching 520 meters under the River Hooghly, were meticulously crafted with tunnel boring machines. Balancing earth pressure with water mass, the tunnels facilitate speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour. During peak hours, an estimated 30,000 commuters are anticipated, experiencing a brief 45-second underwater journey.
Contemplating emergencies, designers incorporated walkways connected to ventilation shafts on either side of the tunnels. Evacuation possibilities are enhanced by eight cross-passages interlinked with the tunnels.
The East-West Metro connection, long-awaited in Kolkata, promises a unique underwater commuting experience. Beyond linking Sealdah and Howrah, two of the nation’s busiest railway terminals, the route traverses Kolkata’s central business district, connecting Esplanade and BBD Bag areas directly to the technology hub in Salt Lake Sector V. With expectations of approximately seven lakh daily passengers, the East-West Metro aims to be one of the nation’s most bustling metro rail connections.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate Kolkata’s Underground Metro on March 6.