India’s First Underwater Metro Inaugurated in Kolkata by PM Modi – Ticket Price | Route | Stations

India’s 1st Underwater Metro in Kolkata: The underwater Kolkata Metro line’s Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section travels under the Hooghly River and features India’s deepest Metro station – Howrah.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first underwater Metro line in Kolkata and embarked on a journey from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan accompanied by school students. Additionally, Modi virtually inaugurated various other Metro services across the nation.

The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the underwater Metro line marks the inception of India’s first transportation tunnel beneath a river. This section traverses under the Hooghly River, with Kolkata situated on its east bank and Howrah on its west bank. Notably, the Howrah station stands as India’s deepest Metro station, descending 30 meters below ground.

As the nation gears up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Kolkata Metro network is set to expand by 11.45 kilometers. This expansion includes 5.4 kilometers on the Orange Line, 4.8 kilometers on the Green Line, and 1.25 kilometers on the Purple Line.

Since its establishment in 1984 until 2014, Kolkata’s Metro network spanned only 27.99 kilometers, according to officials. However, a significant expansion ensued after 2014, resulting in a growth of 25.34 kilometers. The expansion began with the inauguration of the East-West Metro’s first phase, covering a 5.3-kilometer stretch from Salt Lake Sector V to Salt Lake Stadium in 2020.

Over time, the Kolkata Metro continued to expand its reach. Sections from Salt Lake Stadium to Phoolbagan (1.67 km) and Phoolbagan to Sealdah (2.33 km) were opened for commercial service. In 2021, the Noapara-Dakshineswar stretch (4.14 km) commenced operations, followed by the inauguration of the Joka-Taratala stretch (6.5 km) on the Purple Line in 2022.

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Metro authorities highlight the remarkable expansion witnessed during 2022-2023, recording a record-breaking addition of 14.23 kilometers to the network in a single year. An official remarked that this expansion represented a substantial 36 percent increase in the existing network since the inception of the Kolkata Metro.

From 1972 to 2014, a total expenditure of Rs 5,981 crore was allocated for all Kolkata Metro projects. However, between 2014 and October 2023, the expenditure surged to Rs 19,043 crore, reflecting the financial commitment to complete ongoing Metro projects in the city.

Presently, the Kolkata Metro network spans 47.93 kilometers, comprising 32.13 kilometers of the North-South Corridor, 9.3 kilometers of the East-West Corridor, and 6.5 kilometers of the Joka-Esplanade Corridor. An additional extension of 13.27 kilometers is in the pipeline.

In a recent development, several extensions were inaugurated. These include a 4.80-kilometer stretch of the East-West Metro from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade, alongside another extension of 1.25 kilometers from Taratala to Majerhat. Furthermore, a 5.4-kilometer stretch of the New Metro Corridor from Kavi Subhas to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay has been opened to the public.

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Kolkata Underwater Metro: Ticket Price

The ticket rates for Kolkata’s underwater metro vary between Rs. 5 and Rs. 50, depending on the distance traveled. For the initial two kilometers, the fare begins at Rs. 5 and increases to Rs. 50 for longer distances.

Kolkata Underwater Metro: Route and Stations

The underwater metro service is a crucial part of Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor, linking Howrah Maidan to Esplanade. It stretches 16.6 kilometers beneath the Hooghly River, connecting Howrah and Salt Lake. The route encompasses six stations, including three underground ones. It’s anticipated to cross a 520-meter section under the Hooghly River in merely 45 seconds.

Kolkata Underwater Metro: Important Details and Facts

• Kolkata’s East-West Metro Tunnel, the longest underwater river tunnel in India, spans 10.8 km in length and 5.5 meters in width.
• Situated beneath the Hooghly River, the tunnel includes an impressive 520-meter stretch underwater.
• Construction encountered challenges like realignments and the need to drop a planned station at Wellington due to land issues.
• The Esplanade-Sealdah section faced difficulties and wasn’t expected to finish by 2023. To address this, authorities planned to operate trains on a truncated Esplanade-Howrah Maidan route.
• The underwater tunnel section was illuminated with blue light, providing passengers with a unique experience beneath the Hooghly River.
• Linking the twin cities of Howrah and Salt Lake, the metro route boasts three underground stations.