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Prime Minister inaugurated India’s first underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata, marking a significant milestone in infrastructure development.

Kolkata Underwater Metro Tunnel

Kolkata- Howrah Link: Part of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor.
Distance and Speed: Covers a distance of 8 km under the Hooghly River, with a rapid travel time of just 45 seconds across a 520-metre stretch.
Station Configuration: Three out of six stations will be underground, enhancing connectivity and convenience.
Submerged Train Operation: Trains will traverse 26 meters below the river’s surface and operate 16 meters beneath the riverbed.

Overview: Kolkata Metro is India’s first operational rapid transit system, established in 1984, serving Kolkata and its metropolitan region.
Network Length: It boasts four operational lines, totalling 59.38 km and comprising 48 stations, with three additional lines under construction.
Infrastructure Mix: Utilizes a combination of underground, at-grade, and elevated stations with broad-gauge and standard-gauge tracks.
Operation and Ownership: Managed by Metro Railway, Kolkata, and Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation.
Project Financing: Funded for Rs 4,965 crore through a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Hooghly River, also known as the Bhagirathi-Hooghly, is a distributary of the Ganges River in West Bengal, India.
The river originates at Tribeni, where it splits from the main channel of the Ganges.
The Hooghly River stretches for approximately 260 km (162 miles), making it a significant water body in the region.
It served as a crucial trade route during the colonial era, fostering commerce and cultural exchange.
It hosts iconic structures along its banks, including Howrah Bridge and Victoria Memorial, enrich Kolkata’s cultural landscape.