India’s first underwater metro tunnel located in Kolkata, India. The recently inaugurated East West Metro Corridor is a groundbreaking transportation project that has captured the attention of people around the country. This corridor aims to connect Salt Lake Sector 5 to Sealdah Station, providing an efficient means of transportation for commuters in the area. One of the most impressive features of the East West Metro Corridor is the underwater metro tunnel that allows commuters to travel across the Hooghly River, which separates Kolkata from Howrah. Constructed 13 meters below the river bed, this tunnel is a true marvel of engineering.
Commuters traveling through the underwater tunnel will be amazed at how quickly they can traverse the distance. In just 45 seconds, passengers can go from one side of the river to the other, making their daily commute faster and more convenient.
This underwater tunnel is a pioneering project in India. It is the first metro in the country to go under such a massive river. While there are other projects, such as the USBC BCRL project, that involve tunnelling, none of them compare to the scale and complexity of this underwater marvel.
The construction of the underwater tunnel presented numerous challenges for the engineers and authorities involved in the project. One of the main obstacles was crossing the Hooghly River, which required meticulous planning and execution.
The project team meticulously planned the underwater tunnelling project, paying close attention to detail. They arranged all the construction materials well in advance, guaranteeing a smooth and efficient process.
The designers made the tunnel boring machine convertible into a submarine to address any potential accidents during the construction process. This innovative approach to safety ensured that the workers could carry out their tasks with peace of mind.
Navigating Old Structures :
Another challenge faced by the authorities was constructing twin-tunnels beneath old buildings between Howrah Maidan and New Esplanade Metro Station. These tunnels had to pass through structures that were not only old but also historically significant.
Before tunnelling began, researchers conducted extensive surveys and prepared detailed reports to plan effective mitigation measures. They strengthened buildings and evacuated residents during the tunnelling period to ensure their safety.
In the final phase of constructing Kolkata Metro Line-2, engineers dug Howrah Metro Station to a depth of 30 meters beneath the surface.That making it the deepest metro station in India. This remarkable feat of engineering involved 33 meters of excavation. This metro project reaches the deepest depth ever recorded in the country.
The commencement of the Green Line Metro will significantly reduce traffic congestion in Kolkata.This new addition to the East West Metro Corridor will provide a seamless travel experience for commuters. This connecting Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector 5 with ease.
The India’s first underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata is a testament to the ingenuity and expertise of Indian engineers. It represents a significant milestone in the country’s transportation infrastructure and will undoubtedly improve the lives of commuters in Kolkata. The successful completion of this project sets the stage for future groundbreaking developments in the field of metro transportation in India.