India to get its First Underwater metro tunnel by 2023 in Kolkata

New Delhi: India will soon get its first of its kind of " Underwater Metro" project by the next year, (2023). Kolkata will be the first state to get this underwater metro which will run beneath the Hooghly river.

About Kolkata Underwater Metro

This unique and special Kolkata Underwater Metro Line is currently under construction and will be functional by the year 2023. This East-West Metro Project will be 16.6 km long and 520 metres will be under the river bed. The tunnel corridor is built 33 meters below the riverbed and will connect Kolkata to Howrah.

East-West Metro Tunnel's length is 10.8 km and its width is 5.5 metres. A 520m stretch of the tracks will go through a tunnel under the Hooghly River. The roof of the tunnel would be about 30 metres from the ground level will connect Kolkata to Howrah.

Who is Constructing an underwater Metro line in Kolkata?

The construction of the Kolkata East-West Metro line is a 16.6 km route that will have six-station each in underground and elevated portions, and the project is being done by a Government enterprise Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRCL).

According to the officials, 80 percent of the Howrah Metro station project is completed and expected to be delivered soon in 2023. However, KMRCL has provided all safety measures and facilities in the project. 

How much does the project costs?

The project was awarded in 2009 with a total cost of around Rs 4900 crore for 14 km, also due to the delay of the project caused by the extension of the track length cost double, approx Rs 8600 crore. Further the project is being completed under the Indian Railways and shall span from the Salt Lake Stadium to Howrah.

Japan International Cooperation Agency has lent around INR 41.6 billion while the Indian Railway Board is expected to provide around INR 20 crore over two years towards the completion of the project.

Safety under the Tunnel

The constructor of the project has taken various safety measures for the passengers, however, there will be walkways in the tunnels for evacuation of passengers in case of emergency or any technical problem arises underwater.

 
According to ANI, Speaking on the facilities and safety measures being provided in the project, Mithun Ghosh, the Site Supervisor said that there will be walkways in the tunnels for evacuation of passengers in case of emergency.

What is the Aim of the Underwater Metro Project

The tunnel will reduce the travel time and is expected to support up to 40% of daily traffic because using the ferry to cross the river takes around 20 minutes and traveling by road can take up to 30 mins or 45 mins. Under the river, it is estimated to allow passengers to reach the Mahakaran station from Howran in under a minute. This project will be highly tempting for the 10 lakh passengers who are believed to use the metro line every day by the year 2035.