India’s First Underwater Metro

India’s First Underwater Metro: A Historic Journey Under the Hooghly River

India has achieved a major milestone in urban transportation with the launch of India’s first underwater metro, running beneath the Hooghly River in Kolkata. This engineering marvel is not just a metro project but a symbol of India’s growing technological and infrastructural strength.

The underwater metro has drawn global attention for its innovation, safety standards, and ability to transform daily commuting for millions of people.

Key Highlights of the Underwater Metro Trial

The recent trial run has set the stage for a new era of commuting. Here are the essential details:

• The Route: The train traveled from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade.

• The Crossing: The Hooghly River section was crossed in approximately 11.55 minutes during the trial.

• Leadership: Metro General Manager P. Udayakumar Reddy was present for the historic event and was welcomed with a traditional ceremony at Howrah station.

• The Fleet: Rack number MR 613 was used to conduct this successful run.

What Is India’s First Underwater Metro?

India’s first underwater metro is part of the Kolkata East-West Metro Corridor. It connects Howrah Maidan to Esplanade, passing under the Hooghly River at a depth of around 30 meters.

This makes India the first country in South Asia to operate a metro line beneath a river.

Engineering Marvel: Comparing India to London and Paris

India’s first underwater metro is being compared to international icons like the Eurostar, which connects London and Paris.

• Depth: The tunnel is situated 13 meters below the riverbed and 32 meters below the water level.

• Speed: Once commercial services begin, the train is expected to cover a 520-meter distance under the river in just 45 seconds.

• Deepest Station: Upon completion, Howrah will become the deepest metro station in India at 33 meters, surpassing the current deepest station, Hauz Khas (29 meters).

• Safety First: To prevent water seepage, engineers used a specialized concrete mixture of micro-silica and fly ash.

Benefits of the Underwater Metro

1. Time Saving

Travel time between Howrah and Kolkata has reduced drastically, helping daily commuters.

2. Traffic Reduction

It reduces road congestion on busy bridges and city roads.

3. Eco-Friendly Transport

Electric metro trains reduce pollution and carbon emissions.

4. Boost to Tourism

The underwater metro has become a major attraction for tourists and metro enthusiasts.

Timeline and Future Plans

• Extended Trials: Trial runs between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade are scheduled to continue for the next 7 months to ensure complete safety and efficiency.

• Completion Date: Sources suggest the project is aimed for completion by December 2023.

• Innovative Power: While trains will run normally in the future, a specific section from Sealdah to Esplanade will utilize battery power for public relay during the transition phase.

India's first underwater metro trial run from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan under river Hoogly in Kolkata successful.pic.twitter.com/oOahW8RNcU

— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) April 13, 2023

Conclusion

India’s first underwater metro under the Hooghly River is a proud achievement for the nation. It reflects innovation, precision engineering, and a commitment to improving public transport.

This historic journey beneath the river is not just about travel—it represents India’s leap into the future of urban mobility.