Underwater Metro in India: A Game-Changer for Urban Transportation
The Indian transportation sector is on the cusp of a revolution with the upcoming launch of the country’s first underwater metro in Kolkata. The project, which has been in the works for over a decade, is expected to ease congestion on the city’s roads and provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the underwater metro project in Kolkata and explore its potential impact on urban transportation in India.
What is the Kolkata Underwater Metro Project?
The Kolkata underwater metro project, also known as the East West Metro, is a rapid transit system that will connect the eastern and western parts of Kolkata. The project involves the construction of a 16.6 km-long metro line, out of which 10.8 km will be underground, with a tunnel passing underneath the Hooghly River.
The underwater section of the metro line will be 520 meters long and will consist of a tunnel with a diameter of 6.3 meters. The tunnel will be located at a depth of 30 meters below the river bed and will be able to withstand the water pressure and the impact of any natural calamities like earthquakes.
The project is being implemented by the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) and is expected to be completed by December 2023.
Why is the Kolkata Underwater Metro Project Important?
The Kolkata underwater metro project is expected to have a significant impact on urban transportation in India. Here are some of the key benefits of the project:
- Reduced Travel Time: The underwater metro line will significantly reduce the travel time between the eastern and western parts of Kolkata. Currently, it takes around 90 minutes to travel between these two areas by road, while the underwater metro will cover the distance in just 15 minutes.
- Reduced Congestion: The underwater metro will also reduce traffic congestion on the city’s roads, which is a major problem in Kolkata. By providing an alternative mode of transportation, the metro line will encourage people to switch to public transport and reduce the number of cars on the road.
- Boost to the Local Economy: The underwater metro project is expected to boost the local economy by creating job opportunities and improving connectivity. The project has already created over 5,000 jobs, and once it is operational, it is expected to generate even more employment opportunities.
- Environmentally Friendly: The underwater metro line will also be environmentally friendly, as it will reduce air pollution by encouraging people to use public transport instead of cars.
Conclusion
The Kolkata underwater metro project is a significant step forward for urban transportation in India. The project is expected to reduce travel time, congestion, and air pollution while also boosting the local economy. As India’s transportation sector continues to grow, the underwater metro project in Kolkata could serve as a blueprint for other cities looking to improve their public transport systems.
