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

23 May 2023 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..