Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of transformative connectivity projects, collectively valued at Rs 15,400 crores, in Kolkata today. Focusing on bolstering urban mobility, the projects encompassed the introduction of Metro Rail and the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
The highlight of the day was the Prime Minister’s symbolic metro journey on the Esplanade – Howrah Maidan metro route, marking the inaugural run of India’s first Underwater Metro in Kolkata. During his ride, Shri Modi engaged with both the workers involved in the project and school children, making the journey a memorable experience for all.
In a series of posts on social media platform X, the Prime Minister expressed his sentiments about the historic day: “The metro journey was made memorable thanks to the company of these youngsters and those who worked on this project. We also travelled through the tunnel under the Hooghly river.”
He further remarked, “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. 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 Governor of West Bengal, C V Ananda Bose, along with other dignitaries, graced the occasion.
The projects inaugurated by the Prime Minister included the Howrah Maidan – Esplanade Metro section, Kavi Subhash – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Metro section, and Taratala – Majerhat Metro section (part of Joka- Esplanade line) in Kolkata. Additionally, the Prime Minister flagged off train services on the Pune Metro from Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi stretch, Kochi Metro Rail Phase I Extension project (Phase IB) from SN Junction Metro station to Tripunithura Metro station, Agra Metro’s stretch from Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar, and the Duhai-Modinagar (North) section of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor. He also laid the foundation stone for extending Pune Metro Rail project Phase 1 between Pimpri Chinchwad Metro-Nigdi.
These initiatives aim to decongest road traffic and offer seamless, easy, and comfortable connectivity. The Howrah Maidan – Esplanade Metro section of Kolkata Metro, with India’s first underwater transportation tunnel, is a significant engineering feat. Howrah Metro Station, now the deepest metro station in India, and the unique elevated Majerhat Metro Station, showcase the innovation and advancement achieved in these projects.
The Agra Metro’s newly inaugurated section will enhance connectivity to historical tourist places, while the RRTS section is expected to stimulate economic activity in the National Capital Region (NCR). Prime Minister Modi, acknowledging the collective effort behind these accomplishments, concluded his messages with, “Memorable moments from the Kolkata Metro. I bow to the Jan Shakti and will keep serving them with renewed vigour.”