Trials In Hooghly River: Underwater Metro Project
Kolkata is creating waves with its groundbreaking underwater metro train project, set to open its doors soon! In a recent trial run, officials and engineers tested the route from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade, spanning the Hooghly River.
According to P Uday Kumar Reddy, the general manager of Metro Railway, regular services are expected to commence after a period of five to seven months of rigorous trial runs. 🚆
But how did Kolkata achieve this engineering marvel? 🤔
The city constructed a tunnel beneath the Hooghly River using a state-of-the-art tunnel-boring machine named Prerna and Rachna. 🛠
Remarkably, this tunnel, measuring 5.55 meters inside and 6.1 meters outside, was completed in an astonishing 66 days!
To ensure the tunnel remains watertight, smart concrete mixes incorporating fly-ash and micro-silica were utilized. 🚿 Additionally, meticulous care was taken to safeguard the historical buildings in the vicinity of the tunneling area. 🏛
This underwater metro project is an integral part of the East-West Metro Corridor, promising to significantly reduce travel time between Howrah and Sealdah and alleviate traffic congestion. 🚗💨
The tunnel itself is positioned 13 meters below the riverbed and 33 meters beneath the surface, featuring four stations – Esplanade, Mahakaran, Howrah, and Howrah Maidan.
Kolkata has a rich history with metro services, being the first city in India to introduce a metro system in 1984. The continued expansion and innovation in metro infrastructure, such as the underwater metro, demonstrate the city’s commitment to modernizing its transportation network.
It’s not uncommon for trial runs to experience unexpected delays or cancellations due to various reasons, including technical issues, safety concerns, or logistical challenges.
However, the assurance from the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) that the trial run will be completed soon is a positive sign, and it highlights the dedication to bringing this innovative project to fruition.
The introduction of metro services has been a significant boon for urban transportation in Indian cities, providing a more efficient and sustainable mode of commuting. The expansion of metro networks across different cities, like Delhi initiating its metro services in 2002, reflects the growing importance of mass transit systems in addressing the challenges of urban mobility.
It will be interesting to see the successful implementation of the underwater metro in Kolkata and how it contributes to the city’s overall transportation infrastructure.
