Kolkata Metro has set a new record by running a train through a tunnel under the Hooghly River for the first time in India. On Wednesday, the Metro rake with only officials and engineers on board ran from Kolkata to Howrah on the other side of the river, marking a historic moment for the city of Kolkata.
The General Manager of Kolkata Metro, P Uday Kumar Reddy, expressed his excitement and described the run as a momentous occasion for the city. He further added that this is the first time a train has moved below the Hooghly river, which is also the deepest station at 33 meters of depth, making it the first of its kind in India.
After the successful trial run, it is expected to take seven months to complete the trails, and then regular services will begin. The KMRCL staff and engineers who made this engineering marvel possible were overjoyed that their dreams had finally come true.
The Metro Rail Chief Public Relations Officer Kausik Mitra stated that it was a revolutionary step in the transport system of Kolkata, and this achievement is a special new year gift from the Indian Railways to the people of Bengal.
The trial runs on the 4.8-km underground section from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade will soon begin after the two metro rakes were taken to Howrah Maidan station from Esplanade station on Wednesday. The commercial service on this stretch is expected to start later this year.
Once this stretch is open, Howrah will have the deepest metro station (33 meters below the surface) in the country, making it a significant milestone for Kolkata Metro.
The 520-meter stretch under the Hooghly River is expected to be covered by the metro in just 45 seconds, making it an impressive engineering feat. The tunnel under the river is situated 32 meters below the river bed, and the success of this project sets a benchmark for other cities in India to follow.
In conclusion, the Kolkata Metro has set a new standard in the transport industry in India with the successful completion of the tunnel under the Hooghly River. The achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the KMRCL staff and engineers who made this engineering marvel possible. The completion of this project is a significant milestone in the transport system of Kolkata and will be an inspiration for other cities to strive towards similar achievements.
