under water metro

metro rail system in Kolkata has existed for a number of decades; the first metro rail network in India was the Kolkata Metro. In the 1950s, there was a proposal to establish a rapid transit system in Kolkata in order to deal with the city’s increasing population and traffic problems. On October 24, 1984, work on the first metro line in Kolkata began; the project had begun in the 1970s. The 3.4 km first metro line in India, which connected Esplanade and Bhowanipur (Netaji Bhaban), opened to the public on October 24, 1984.

Officially called the East-West Metro, Kolkata’s underwater metro is a major infrastructure project designed to enhance the city’s transportation system. It’s the first underwater metro system in India, giving Kolkata’s ancient environment a contemporary feel. Here are some salient features about it. On March 15, the Kolkata Underwater Metro will officially open to the public. At 7:00 AM, the first public metro will travel from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade. The much-anticipated underwater Kolkata metro has ticket prices ranging from Rs 5 to Rs 50. The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro, an expansion of the Kolkata Metro, offers India’s first underwater transit tunnel a singular experience

ROUTE OF THE NEW UNDERWATER METRO

From Sector V in Salt Lake to Howrah Maidan, the city is connected by the East-West Metro. It makes its way across approximately 16.5 km, much of it underwater under the Hooghly River that separates Kolkata. The section, which is 16.6 kilometers long, passes beneath one of our well-known rivers for a considerable portion of its length. The section is a part of the much bigger East-West Metro project, which unites Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan. a significant West Bengali technology area, with Howrah Maidan.The section, which is 16.6 kilometers long, passes beneath one of our well-known rivers for a considerable portion of its length.Traverses an 8 km stretch beneath the Hooghly River in a mere 45 seconds, covering 520 meters in total. To improve accessibility and convenience, three of the six stations will be subterranean.

TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTED 

Underwater metro systems use advanced engineering, like tunnel boring machines (TBMs), to dig tunnels under water. TBMs are equipped to handle the pressure and seal out water. They minimize disruption to the environment while creating pathways beneath seabeds or riverbeds for safe transportation.

Underwater metro tunnels use strong materials like reinforced concrete and steel to resist corrosion. They’re waterproofed to keep water out, with sealed joints and coatings on exposed surfaces. This ensures tunnels last long and stay safe for transportation

Moreover, the design and construction of underwater metro trains are tailored to the challenges of sub aquatic travel. Train carriages are constructed with waterproof materials and equipped with sealing systems to ensure passenger safety and comfort. Special attention is given to corrosion-resistant components, as exposure to moisture and saltwater can accelerate wear and tear.

Overall, underwater metro systems represent a fusion of innovative engineering, robust construction techniques, and specialized materials to create reliable and efficient transportation networks beneath water bodies.

Building a metro tunnel under a river presented a number of difficulties, including preserving the structure’s structural integrity, controlling water flow, and guaranteeing the workers’ safety. Overcoming these obstacles required careful planning and execution of the project.

SIGNIFICANCE AND GOAL

The underwater metro in Kolkata connects the eastern and western parts of the city, easing traffic congestion on roads. It’s a crucial project for Kolkata’s growth, promising better connections, reduced traffic, and shorter travel times to Howrah. This reliable transport system aims to create jobs, spur economic growth, and raise living standards. It also sets a standard for future urban projects in India, showcasing the country’s ability to innovate on a large scale. By offering a dependable and effective form of transportation, it hopes to boost employment opportunities, promote economic development, and improve the general standard of living for locals

The goal of Kolkata’s underwater metro project is to be environmentally friendly by using sustainable building materials, energy-efficient technology, and mass transit to cut carbon emissions. To lessen the effects, initiatives include creating green areas near stations, managing runoff, and keeping an eye on the environment. These programs seek to reduce the project’s environmental impact while promoting urban sustainability. This change may lessen the city’s traffic jams and air pollution.

The East-West Metro offers smooth connectivity to several areas of the city by integrating with Kolkata’s current metro network. Both locals and guests can move around more easily and conveniently thanks to this connection.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Kolkata’s underwater metro project boosts the city’s economy by improving transportation and spurring real estate growth. Traveling underwater adds excitement, with safe, comfortable designs and possibly special windows for views. The East-West Metro Line, with its underwater tunnel, shortens travel times and eases road congestion. This 520-meter marvel required advanced engineering for safety. Though not fully submerged, it enhances Kolkata’s transit efficiency and connectivity. Such projects showcase Kolkata’s commitment to modernizing infrastructure and improving living standards as the city expands. Overall, the underwater metro represents a significant step forward in Kolkata’s urban development, offering a cutting-edge and eco-friendly transportation solution.