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PM Modi Takes Inaugural Underwater Metro Ride
Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a historic moment on Wednesday as he inaugurated India's first underwater metro section in Kolkata. The newly opened Kolkata Metro's Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section includes the country's initial underwater transportation tunnel. The prime minister, accompanied by school students, also experienced a ride on the underwater metro in the vibrant City of Joy.
Upon his arrival at the Esplanade metro station, PM Modi received a warm welcome from a massive crowd, with chants of 'Modi Modi' and 'Jai Shri Ram' echoing in the air. Additionally, Modi laid the foundation stone for various connectivity projects valued at ₹15,400 crore.
Key Facts About the Underwater Metro Tunnel
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Deepest Metro Station: The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section boasts the country's deepest metro station, Howrah metro station, situated at a depth of 30 meters.
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Strategic Connectivity: Spanning 4.8 kilometers, the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade stretch is a crucial segment of the East-West Metro corridor, linking key areas, including the IT hub Salt Lake Sector V.
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Construction Cost: The Metro Railway indicates that the construction of the 4.8-km stretch cost ₹4,965 crore.
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Underground Segment: Out of the total 16.6 km of the East-West Metro corridor, 10.8 km is underground, encompassing the tunnel beneath the river. The corridor includes 12 stations along its route.
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Swift River Crossing: The train is anticipated to travel the 520-meter stretch under the river in just 45 seconds, providing not only speed but also a seamless and time-efficient mode of transportation. This development is expected to enhance Kolkata's connectivity and urban mobility significantly.
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Affordable Ticket Pricing: According to a report, ticket prices for the underwater metro start at ₹5 and can go up to ₹50, depending on the distance. The fare structure begins at ₹5 for the first two kilometers and gradually increases up to ₹50.
Strengthening Kolkata's Metro Network
In addition to the inauguration of the underwater metro section, PM Modi also marked the opening of the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section of the New Garia-Airport line and the Taratala-Majerhat section of the Joka-Esplanade line in the Kolkata Metro, the country's oldest metro network.
This monumental day sets a precedent for future advancements in India's transportation infrastructure, with the underwater metro tunnel serving as a testament to innovation and progress.
