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India's first underwater Metro service kicked off its commercial operations in Kolkata, marking a significant moment in the city's transit history. On a vibrant Friday morning, the train embarked on its journey from Howrah Maidan station, navigating at a speed of 14 km/hour, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of hundreds of passengers. Simultaneously, another service commenced from Esplanade station. This milestone follows the official inauguration of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section along the 16.6km East-West corridor by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 6.
The engineering marvel of this Metro line includes a 520-meter tunnel beneath the Hooghly River, which the train crosses in approximately 45 seconds. Illuminated by a blue light, the tunnel's design simulates the effect of being surrounded by water, enhancing the passengers' experience. This section boasts four stations: Esplanade, Howrah Maidan, Howrah, and Mahakaran , facilitating a smoother commute between Howrah and Kolkata.
Passengers expressed their delight and the convenience brought about by this new service. Bholanath Sur, 69, highlighted the relief it brings from the typically congested travel options through Kolkata's lanes, especially during summer. Yashodha Devi, 39, also shared her excitement about the ease of reaching her in-laws in Esplanade, bypassing the usual traffic hurdles.
Howrah Station, noted as one of the deepest metro stations in India, is part of this groundbreaking project. The service is particularly advantageous for the elderly, offering a swift and comfortable alternative to the conventional multiple transfers required for city travel. Swagata Kumar Dey, 67, recounted his efficient journey to Dharamtala for a health checkup, expressing gratitude for the development.
The introduction of the underwater Metro has been met with an enthusiastic response from the community, with people arriving as early as 2.30 am to experience the service on its first day. According to Metro Railway spokesperson Kaushik Mitra, the Howrah Maidan to Esplanade section will operate 130 daily services from Monday to Saturday, with trains running at 12-15 minute intervals.
In addition to this, the Kolkata Metro network, the oldest in the country, expanded its services to include the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section of the New Garia-Airport line and the Taratala-Majerhat section of the Joka-Esplanade line. Despite facing setbacks such as an aquifer burst at Bowbazar in 2019 and water leakage incidents in 2022, the project's completion marks a new era in Kolkata's urban transport landscape.
The launch of India's first underwater Metro service not only enhances connectivity but also sets a new standard for urban transit solutions in the country. With its successful commencement, Kolkata residents can now look forward to a more efficient and enjoyable commuting experience.
