Kolkata Makes History with Successful Trial Run of India’s First Underwater Metro Rail
Kolkata has set a milestone in transportation history with the successful trial run of India’s first-ever underwater rail tunnel. At 11.45 am on Wednesday, April 12, a Metro Rail rake completed the trial run, powered by a battery-operated locomotive. The 520-metre tunnel runs under the Hooghly River in Kolkata, and the rake travelled at a moderate speed from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan.
This achievement comes nearly four decades after the first Metro Rail services in Kolkata began. The Metro Rail officers have announced that trial runs will be conducted over the next five to seven months. After a complete safety audit, commercial operations between Esplanade and Howrah Maidan will start by the end of this year.
Joining the Ranks of Global Underwater Train Services
Upon completion, Kolkata will join the ranks of other cities such as London, Paris, New York, Cairo, and Shanghai that boast of underwater train services under the Thames, Seine, Hudson, Nile, and Huangpu, respectively.
Tunnel Depth and Specifications
The twin tunnels under the Hooghly run 26 metres below ground level, with the river being 13 metres deep, and the tunnels running another 13 metres below the bed of the river. Hydrophilic gaskets are installed between concrete layers to prevent water seepage.
Upon completion, trains will travel at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour through the tunnels, crossing the river in just 45 seconds. The 2.5-kilometre section between Esplanade and Howrah Maidan is part of the 16.7-kilometre-long East-West Metro, also known as the “Green Line,” connecting Salt Lake Sector V and Howrah Maidan.
The Current State of East-West Metro
A 9.4-kilometre stretch between Salt Lake Sector V and Sealdah is already operational. However, the 2.5-kilometre section between Sealdah and Esplanade has faced repeated roadblocks due to three major cave-ins, causing delays in its construction.
The Metro Rail authorities, therefore, decided to operationalize the Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section. Although the trial runs were supposed to begin on April 9, they were delayed due to last-minute technical issues.
Conclusion
The successful trial run of India’s first underwater rail tunnel marks a significant achievement in Kolkata’s transportation sector. Once the commercial operations begin, the journey across the Hooghly river will only take 45 seconds, making transportation more convenient for the people of Kolkata.
