Kolkata, known for its rich history and vibrant culture, witnessed a historic moment on Friday as the country’s first underwater metro train embarked on its commercial journey. The East-West metro corridor, spanning the bustling city, came alive with excitement as hundreds of passengers embarked on their inaugural ride, marking a significant milestone in India’s transportation landscape.
The journey commenced at the crack of dawn, with a train departing from the Howrah Maidan station amidst cheers and applause from eager commuters. Simultaneously, another train embarked on its maiden voyage from the Esplanade station, setting the stage for a memorable day in Kolkata’s transport history.
Throngs of commuters flocked to the stations in the early hours, eager to be a part of the “first-day first underwater metro” experience. At the Howrah Maidan station, queues stretched as passengers eagerly awaited their tickets, while authorities greeted them with rose stems at the Esplanade station, adding a touch of warmth to the momentous occasion.
Amidst the excitement, chants of ‘Jai Sri Ram’ reverberated through the Howrah Maidan station as passengers boarded the train, reflecting the fervor and enthusiasm of the crowd.
The commercial services were inaugurated following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unveiling of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the East-West corridor on March 6. The underwater stretch, spanning the Hooghly river, symbolizes India’s foray into cutting-edge metro technology and infrastructure.
As the train traversed the under-river section, passengers were greeted with jubilation, with some even breaking into chants of “this is Modi ki guarantee.” The illumination of the tunnel walls with blue light, simulating the ambiance of water, added to the surreal experience for commuters.
Spanning a length of 520 meters, the under-river tunnel showcased the marvel of modern engineering, with a train completing the crossing in a mere 45 seconds.
Kaushik Mitra, spokesperson for the Metro Railway, expressed delight at the overwhelming response, with commuters flocking to experience the historic moment. Some enthusiasts arrived as early as 2:30 am, underscoring the significance of the underwater metro services in Kolkata.
The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section, boasting the deepest metro station in the country at Howrah Metro station, represents a groundbreaking addition to Kolkata’s transportation network. With a total cost of Rs 4,965 crore, the 4.8-km stretch stands as a testament to India’s strides in urban infrastructure development.
Despite facing challenges and delays, including an aquifer burst in central Kolkata in 2019, the East-West corridor stands as a testament to Kolkata’s resilience and determination in overcoming obstacles on the path to progress.
As the underwater metro paves the way for smoother, more efficient transportation in Kolkata, it heralds a new era of connectivity and convenience for commuters, setting the stage for further advancements in India’s metro network.
