India's Atmanirbhar underwater metro in Kolkata to launch in December
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

India's Atmanirbhar underwater metro in Kolkata to launch in December

India's ambitious 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' project, the underwater metro in Kolkata, is set to commence operations for commuters by the end of 2023. The project involves the construction of a tunnel under the river Hooghly, a remarkable engineering feat accomplished by Indian engineers. The tunnel, with an internal diameter of 5.55 meters and external diameter of 6.1 meters, has been built using a tunnel-boring machine (TBM). It runs 32 meters below water level, making it an engineering marvel. The underwater railway system will connect Howrah Maidan station to Mahakaran metro station, offering passengers a unique experience of traveling beneath the river.

Sanjay Banerjee, the General Manager Civil of Kolkata Metro Rail Cooperation Limited, highlighted the challenges faced during the project, particularly the careful planning required due to the densely populated areas of Kolkata and the presence of existing buildings. Despite these challenges, the project has made significant progress, with a section of the underground route already operational from Phoolbagan to Sealdah.

The project emphasises the indigenisation of technology, with Indian companies leading the way and Indian engineers playing a pivotal role. The construction of the underwater metro serves as a prime example of the 'Atmanirbhar' initiative, showcasing the capabilities and expertise of Indian engineers. The underwater tunnel spans a length of 520 metres, reaching a depth of 16 metres below the riverbed at its deepest point. The construction of the tunnel, which connects Howrah station complex to Armenian Ghat, was completed in a record time of 66 days. This underwater rail system marks a significant milestone as the first subaqueous tunnel beneath a major river in India.

The authorities aim to open the underwater metro for commercial use by December 2023, providing the people of Kolkata with an advanced and efficient mode of transportation and contributing to the city's urban development.

India's ambitious 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' project, the underwater metro in Kolkata, is set to commence operations for commuters by the end of 2023. The project involves the construction of a tunnel under the river Hooghly, a remarkable engineering feat accomplished by Indian engineers. The tunnel, with an internal diameter of 5.55 meters and external diameter of 6.1 meters, has been built using a tunnel-boring machine (TBM). It runs 32 meters below water level, making it an engineering marvel. The underwater railway system will connect Howrah Maidan station to Mahakaran metro station, offering passengers a unique experience of traveling beneath the river. Sanjay Banerjee, the General Manager Civil of Kolkata Metro Rail Cooperation Limited, highlighted the challenges faced during the project, particularly the careful planning required due to the densely populated areas of Kolkata and the presence of existing buildings. Despite these challenges, the project has made significant progress, with a section of the underground route already operational from Phoolbagan to Sealdah. The project emphasises the indigenisation of technology, with Indian companies leading the way and Indian engineers playing a pivotal role. The construction of the underwater metro serves as a prime example of the 'Atmanirbhar' initiative, showcasing the capabilities and expertise of Indian engineers. The underwater tunnel spans a length of 520 metres, reaching a depth of 16 metres below the riverbed at its deepest point. The construction of the tunnel, which connects Howrah station complex to Armenian Ghat, was completed in a record time of 66 days. This underwater rail system marks a significant milestone as the first subaqueous tunnel beneath a major river in India. The authorities aim to open the underwater metro for commercial use by December 2023, providing the people of Kolkata with an advanced and efficient mode of transportation and contributing to the city's urban development.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Advances in Sustainable Solid Waste Management Technologies

In a significant step towards environmental sustainability, Indian scientists and research institutions have pioneered advanced technologies for the management of solid and plastic waste. These innovations span across various sectors, offering decentralised, eco-friendly solutions that bridge scientific advancement with practical implementation. A range of cutting-edge technologies have been developed for efficient solid waste management: Bio-Methanation for Organic Waste: The CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) has developed a high-rate bio-methanation technology tail..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Sets Up Anusandhan Foundation to Boost National Research

In a landmark move to strengthen India’s scientific research and innovation ecosystem, the Government has established the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) under the ANRF Act, 2023, which was officially notified in February 2024. The foundation is designed to mobilise and manage significant funding across multiple streams for research and development activities across the country. The ANRF will receive financial support through various dedicated streams—the ANRF Fund, Innovation Fund, Science and Engineering Research Fund, and Special Purpose Funds. A budgetary provision of R..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

DST Clarifies Media Reports on State Science Policy Responses

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has issued a clarification concerning recent media reports alleging a contradiction in its responses to Parliamentary questions regarding the first Indian state to implement a science policy. The department emphasised that the two queries raised in 2022 and 2025 differed in both scope and intent, and that the replies provided were accurate and aligned with the specific questions posed. In response to a Parliamentary Question dated 21 July 2022, which sought to ascertain whether any state government had ever initiated a science policy since Indiaâ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?