Kolkata's Underwater Metro: Fully Operational Soon

The East-West Metro corridor in Kolkata is on the brink of full operationalization, following a successful mandatory inspection of its final 2.6-kilometer stretch on Sunday. Conducted by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), the inspection focused on the most challenging segment of the project — the Bowbazar zone, known for its subsidence-prone terrain.

Once the CRS grants formal approval, the entire 16.6-kilometer Green Line — from Sector V to Howrah Maidan — will be operational, allowing seamless travel beneath the Hooghly River.

The CRS, Sumeet Singhal, began inspections at 9 am, including a detailed check at Esplanade station. He examined key sub-systems such as tracks, tunnels, ventilation, train performance, fire safety, and emergency systems. The scrutiny extended to the problematic Bowbazar stretch, where he inspected tunnel curves, cross-passages, and the Durga Pituri Lane egress shaft.

A speed trial between Mahakaran and Central Park stations, reaching up to 80 kmph, was also conducted before the inspection concluded at 5:30 pm. The CRS later expressed satisfaction with the corridor's readiness.

Currently, the East-West Metro runs in two segments: Sector V to Sealdah (9.2 km) and Esplanade to Howrah Maidan (4.8 km). The missing Esplanade-Sealdah link, skipped earlier due to complex ground conditions, was the final gap. With this stretch now cleared, full integration of the line is imminent.

Anuj Mittal, Managing Director of KMRC, and senior Metro Railway officials accompanied the CRS during the inspection. The ₹10,000 crore project, which includes India's first underwater metro tunnel, now awaits final clearance for full-scale operations — marking a major milestone in Kolkata’s urban transit network.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.