India will get its first underwater metro train, which will be fully functional in Kolkata by 2023.
Digital Desk: While the metro still travels above and below ground, it will soon travel underwater, marking a first for the nation.
By 2023, Kolkata will be the first location in India where a train will operate underwater.
The first of its kind in India, Kolkata's futuristic underwater metro will connect the cities of London and Paris.
The Kolkata Metro's East-West corridor will be 16.6 kilometres long and span 500 metres beneath the Hooghly river, 33 metres below the riverbed. Construction on the corridor began in 2006-2007.
The train will significantly reduce commuter travel time. The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation is building the project (KMRC). The metro line will run from Howrah to Salt Lake, passing through Central Kolkata.
Twin tunnels are constructed from 1.4 m wide concrete rings. The twin tunnels are the main draw for passengers because they provide a one-of-a-kind experience by zipping below the water for half a kilometre.
Hydrophilic gaskets have been installed to prevent water from entering the tunnels. The tunnels will also have emergency exits for situations such as earthquakes. In the event of an emergency, walkways will be built in the tunnels.
In the event of a technical issue, passengers can escape through certain passages. To make the tunnel waterproof and suitable for underwater use, fly ash and micro-silica were used in the concrete design.
Esplanade, Mahakaran, Howrah, and Howrah Maidan are the additional four underground stations that will be built after the project is finished. The metro will cross the Hooghly river between the stations of Mahakaran and Howrah in under a minute.
According to reports, 48.5 per cent of the project's cost was invested by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).
Union Minister Smriti Irani recently virtually opened the Sealdah Metro Station from Howrah Maidan.
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