Kolkata, March 6, 2024 – In a historic moment for Kolkata’s transportation infrastructure, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Esplanade-Howrah Maidan Metro route, marking the launch of India’s first underwater metro tunnel beneath the Hooghly River.
The inauguration ceremony was part of a larger event where the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for various connectivity projects totaling Rs 15,400 crores. These projects, focusing on urban mobility, include the Metro Rail and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in Kolkata.
As part of the inaugural festivities, Shri Narendra Modi took a metro ride on the newly opened route, interacting with both the workforce and school children during the journey. Sharing his experiences on social media, the Prime Minister expressed his delight at the progress of the metro project and its significance for the people of Kolkata.
In a series of posts on X, Prime Minister Modi remarked, “The metro journey was made memorable thanks to the company of these youngsters and those who worked on this project. We also traveled through the tunnel under the Hooghly River.”
He emphasized the importance of the enhanced metro network for Kolkata, stating, “It’s a very special day for the people of Kolkata as the city’s metro network gets significantly enhanced. Connectivity will get a boost, and traffic will get decongested.”
The highlight of the event was the acknowledgment of the unprecedented achievement – the first underwater metro transportation tunnel beneath a major river in India. The Esplanade-Howrah Maidan Metro section now stands as a testament to technological innovation and urban development.
Expressing his pride in this groundbreaking feat, Prime Minister Modi said, “It’s a proud moment that the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro section has the first underwater metro transportation tunnel under any major river in our country.”
The inauguration of this underwater metro tunnel is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, enhance connectivity, and bring about a new era of efficient and sustainable urban transportation for the people of Kolkata. The Prime Minister concluded his series of posts with a promise to continue serving the people with renewed vigor, acknowledging the collective strength of the citizens (Jan Shakti) that makes such transformative projects possible.