Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled Bharat’s first underwater metro route in Kolkata on Wednesday, marking a significant step in the country’s infrastructure development. The inauguration event included the initiation of various connectivity projects valued at Rs 15,400 crore.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacts with school students as they travel in India's first underwater metro train, in Kolkata. pic.twitter.com/lQye0OnuqP
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2024
The underwater metro is part of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor, spanning 4.8 km beneath the Hooghly river. The metro service connects Howrah and Salt Lake, with three out of six stations underground. The underwater journey covers a 520-meter stretch under the river in just 45 seconds.
#WATCH | West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed by a huge crowd gathered at Esplanade metro station, in Kolkata
PM Modi inaugurated India's first underwater metro rail service, a short while ago. pic.twitter.com/5rMfUWHQ0f
— ANI (@ANI) March 6, 2024
During the inauguration, the Prime Minister took the first ride with school students, engaging with them inside the metro train. The ceremony was attended by top officials, dignitaries, and political figures, including West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar and Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari.
The underwater metro service is anticipated to commence passenger operations at a later date, as confirmed by Kaushik Mitra, the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Eastern Railway. The inauguration comes less than a year after the historic trial run in April 2023.
In addition to the underwater metro, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala-Majerhat Metro sections in Kolkata. Later in the day, he addressed a public rally in Barasat, North 24 Parganas district.
Before the inauguration, the Prime Minister visited the Ramakrishna Mission Seva Pratishthan to inquire about the health of Swami Smarananandaji Maharaj, the president of Ramakrishna Math and Mission, who is undergoing treatment.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to West Bengal follows his recent trip to the state two weeks ago, where he addressed public rallies in Arambagh and Krishnanagar districts.
Comments