Kolkata is making waves with India’s first underwater metro, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The 4.8 km-long metro tunnel, connecting Howrah Maidan and Esplanade, is a historic feat, plunging 30 meters beneath the Hooghly river. Modi’s ride alongside students and metro staff added flair to the moment. This underwater marvel is part of the East-West Metro Corridor, envisaged in Kolkata’s 1971 master plan, connecting Howrah and Sealdah stations beneath the Hooghly river.
Flagging off trains on additional sections, Modi marked a significant milestone in the city’s infrastructure. The project’s Rs 15,400 crore investment includes the Rs 4,138 crore Howrah Maidan to Esplanade stretch, which will host India’s deepest metro station. Kolkata’s transportation landscape is transforming, promising enhanced connectivity and a unique underwater commute for its residents.