Exciting news for the residents of Kolkata! Indian Railways is making significant strides to finalize the remaining tasks for India’s inaugural underwater metro network as part of Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor. This groundbreaking underwater corridor spans from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade, with the stations along this route nearly prepared for inauguration.
The Chairman of the Railway Board, Jaya Varma Sinha, recently conducted an inspection of the Howrah Maidan to Esplanade stretch of the East-West Metro. Embarking on a journey from Howrah Maidan station to Esplanade station in a Metro beneath the Hooghly River, Sinha, along with P Uday Kumar Reddy, General Manager of Metro Railway, and other officials, ensured that the critical stretch is progressing as planned.
During the inspection, Sinha traveled in the Motorman’s cabin of a Metro from Howrah Maidan to Howrah station and scrutinized Passenger Interchanging Points with Eastern and South Eastern Railway. Following this, the CRB directed officials to make the necessary arrangements for seamless passenger interchange among the three railways.
Anticipated to open to the general public next month, the 4.8-km-long East-West Metro stretch from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade is reaching its completion. Upon full operation, three additional stations – Howrah Maidan, Howrah station complex, and BBD Bagh (Mahakaran) – will be integrated into the corridor. Notably, the Howrah Metro station is set to become the deepest Metro station in India.
Currently, the Sealdah to Salt Lake Sector V stretch of the East-West corridor is operational, with eight stations along its route: Sealdah, Phoolbagan, Salt Lake stadium, Bengal Chemical, City Centre, Central Park, Karunamoyee, and Salt Lake Sector-V. The impending expansion will enhance connectivity and accessibility for the people of Kolkata.