India’s First Underwater Metro: All You Need to Know about the Project | Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited
The much-awaited India’s first underwater metro is all set to be operational by December 2023. The underwater metro will run between Kolkata and Howrah, making it a first-of-its-kind project in the country. Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRCL) is working on this ambitious project, which will provide a much-needed alternative mode of transportation to commuters traveling between Kolkata and Howrah. This project is expected to revolutionize the public transportation system in Kolkata, which is currently struggling with traffic congestion and pollution.
The underwater metro project is a 16.6 km long route, out of which 10.8 km will be underground, and 6.7 km will be under the Hooghly River. The tunnel under the Hooghly River will have two sections, each of 520 meters. The tunnel will connect Kolkata’s Howrah station and Mahakaran station in Salt Lake City, reducing the travel time between the two stations to just 16 minutes.
The construction of the underwater metro project started in 2009, and it faced many hurdles and delays in its completion. The project’s construction was delayed due to various reasons, including land acquisition issues, technical problems, and the Covid-19 pandemic. However, after a long wait, the project is finally expected to be operational by December 2023.
Why this News is important:
The news of India’s first underwater metro becoming operational by December 2023 is significant for various reasons, including:
Alternative mode of transportation:
The underwater metro project will provide an alternative mode of transportation to commuters traveling between Kolkata and Howrah. It will reduce the travel time between the two stations to just 16 minutes, providing a faster and more comfortable mode of transportation to the people.
Reduced traffic congestion:
The public transportation system in Kolkata is currently struggling with traffic congestion, leading to increased pollution levels. The underwater metro project will help reduce traffic congestion, providing a much-needed relief to the people.
Boost to the economy:
The project’s completion will create job opportunities and boost economic development in the region. It will also attract more tourists to the city, boosting the tourism industry.
Historical context:
The idea of an underwater metro in Kolkata was first proposed in 1971, but it was not until 2009 that the construction work started. The project’s construction faced many challenges, including technical problems, land acquisition issues, and environmental concerns. The project also faced criticism for its high cost and the disruption it caused to the daily lives of the people. Despite all these challenges, the project is finally expected to be operational by December 2023, providing a much-needed alternative mode of transportation to the people of Kolkata.
Key Takeaways from “India’s First Underwater Metro to become operational by December 2023”:
| Serial Number | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1. | India’s first underwater metro will become operational by December 2023. |
| 2. | The underwater metro will run between Kolkata and Howrah, providing an alternative mode of transportation to the people. |
| 3. | The project’s construction started in 2009 and faced many hurdles and delays. |
| 4. | The underwater metro project is a 16.6 km long route, out of which 10.8 km will be underground, and 6.7 km will be under the Hooghly River. |
| 5. | The project’s completion will create job opportunities, boost economic development, and reduce traffic congestion in the region. |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the news of India’s first underwater metro becoming operational by December 2023 is a significant development that will revolutionize public transportation in Kolkata. The project’s completion will provide an alternative mode of transportation to the people, reduce traffic congestion, boost economic development, and attract more tourists to the city. This news is also crucial for students preparing for government exams, especially those related to civil services, as it highlights the importance of infrastructure development and its impact on society. Overall, the India’s first underwater metro project is an excellent example of how a well-planned and executed infrastructure project can benefit society, the economy, and the environment.
Important FAQs for Students from this News
When did the construction of India’s first underwater metro start?
Ans: The construction of India’s first underwater metro started in 2009.
What is the length of the underwater metro route?
Ans: The underwater metro project is a 16.6 km long route, out of which 10.8 km will be underground, and 6.7 km will be under the Hooghly River.
When is the underwater metro expected to be operational?
Ans: The underwater metro is expected to be operational by December 2023.
What are the benefits of the underwater metro project?
Ans: The benefits of the underwater metro project include providing an alternative mode of transportation, reducing traffic congestion, creating job opportunities, and boosting economic development in the region.
What are the challenges faced by the underwater metro project?
Ans: The underwater metro project faced challenges such as technical problems, land acquisition issues, environmental concerns, and criticism for its high cost.
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