Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently unveiled a series of connectivity projects in Kolkata, collectively valued at $1.8 billion (Rs. 15,400 crore). Notable among these initiatives is the inauguration of India’s maiden underwater metro service, linking Howrah Maidan to Esplanade as part of Kolkata Metro’s East-West Corridor. This groundbreaking project involved the construction of a 520-meter tunnel beneath the Hooghly River at a cost of $599.8 million (Rs. 4,965 crore). During the inaugural ride alongside school children, PM Modi expressed satisfaction at the expansion of Kolkata’s metro network, foreseeing enhanced connectivity and reduced traffic congestion. The ceremony also encompassed the launch of metro projects in Pune, Agra, and the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor.
Apart from the underwater metro service, PM Modi inaugurated several vital metro sections in Kolkata, such as Kavi Subhash – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala – Majerhat. The event also marked the commencement of metro projects in Pune and Agra, accompanied by the introduction of train services on various routes and the laying of the foundation stone for the Phase 1 extension of the Pune Metro Rail project. These endeavors aim to fortify urban transportation infrastructure, fostering improved connectivity and operational efficiency across multiple cities nationwide.
