East-West Metro Becomes Kolkata's Lifeline Amid Protests
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

East-West Metro Becomes Kolkata's Lifeline Amid Protests

The East-West Metro in Kolkata proved to be an essential lifeline for commuters as it joined forces with the North-South Metro to ferry passengers underground while clashes erupted on the streets between police and protesters. The Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section of the East-West Metro became the sole means of travel between Kolkata and Howrah, transporting over 47,000 passengers by 5 pm, significantly surpassing its average daily ridership since its launch in March.

Metro officials anticipate that the total ridership could exceed the record 70,000 passengers on the corridor's opening day, March 15. Meanwhile, the North-South Metro carried around 3 lakh passengers by 5 pm, nearing its usual daily ridership of 5 lakhs.

From early morning, commuters from both cities crowded into the four metro stations, knowing there was no alternative for crossing the Hooghly River.

The 'Chhatra Samaj' protests led to a complete halt in road transport on the Howrah side of the river, leaving buses, taxis, and app cabs off the roads. Many commuters, like musician Soumendu Das from Mandirtala, relied on the metro to reach Kolkata for work, only to find themselves stranded without transport options in the evening.

Despite the inconveniences, commuters were grateful for the metro. Kalighat resident S K Das, 72, shared, "If it hadn?t been for the new metro, we would have missed the Rajdhani Express." Nirmal Das, a Mecheda resident working at the Esplanade post office, recounted his first under-river metro journey with mixed emotions, noting that while he had planned to try the new metro line, the protests forced him to do so sooner than expected.

This event highlights the critical role of Kolkata?s metro system in maintaining connectivity during times of crisis, providing an essential service when all other transport options fail.

The East-West Metro in Kolkata proved to be an essential lifeline for commuters as it joined forces with the North-South Metro to ferry passengers underground while clashes erupted on the streets between police and protesters. The Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section of the East-West Metro became the sole means of travel between Kolkata and Howrah, transporting over 47,000 passengers by 5 pm, significantly surpassing its average daily ridership since its launch in March. Metro officials anticipate that the total ridership could exceed the record 70,000 passengers on the corridor's opening day, March 15. Meanwhile, the North-South Metro carried around 3 lakh passengers by 5 pm, nearing its usual daily ridership of 5 lakhs. From early morning, commuters from both cities crowded into the four metro stations, knowing there was no alternative for crossing the Hooghly River. The 'Chhatra Samaj' protests led to a complete halt in road transport on the Howrah side of the river, leaving buses, taxis, and app cabs off the roads. Many commuters, like musician Soumendu Das from Mandirtala, relied on the metro to reach Kolkata for work, only to find themselves stranded without transport options in the evening. Despite the inconveniences, commuters were grateful for the metro. Kalighat resident S K Das, 72, shared, If it hadn?t been for the new metro, we would have missed the Rajdhani Express. Nirmal Das, a Mecheda resident working at the Esplanade post office, recounted his first under-river metro journey with mixed emotions, noting that while he had planned to try the new metro line, the protests forced him to do so sooner than expected. This event highlights the critical role of Kolkata?s metro system in maintaining connectivity during times of crisis, providing an essential service when all other transport options fail.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

REC Transfers HVDC Project to Power Grid

REC Limited has successfully handed over the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for a High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) transmission project to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL). This strategic move aligns with the nation's objectives to strengthen its power transmission network. Key Highlights: Project Overview: The HVDC project, under the inter-state transmission system (ISTS) initiative, is a critical component of India's push toward robust and efficient electricity transmission. It aims to handle bulk power transfer across long distances while ensuring minimal losses. Role of RE..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

NF Railway Collaborates with IIT Guwahati

The Northeast Frontier (NF) Railway has signed strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with IIT Guwahati to foster technological advancements and improve railway operations in the region. This partnership focuses on innovative solutions to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in rail infrastructure. Key Highlights: Purpose of MoUs: The collaboration aims to leverage IIT Guwahati's expertise in technology and research for implementing cutting-edge solutions across railway operations. Key areas of focus include: Automation and digitization in maintenance. Sustainability initiati..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Danapur Division Modernization Plans Revealed

The Railway Board has unveiled ambitious plans for the expansion and modernization of the Danapur Division, a critical hub under the East Central Railway. The initiative focuses on infrastructure development, enhanced passenger amenities, and operational efficiency. Key Highlights: Scope of Modernization: The Railway Board's blueprint emphasizes: Upgrading existing infrastructure to accommodate more passenger and freight traffic. Improving station facilities, such as platforms, waiting areas, and connectivity. Introducing advanced signal systems for safer and smoother operations. Freig..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000