India’s first-ever underwater train to start operation soon

In a first for the country, Hooghly River’s underwater tunnel will likely be operational soon. Reports state that the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) has extended its East-West corridor, which would span the Hooghly River for around 500 m, to incorporate twin tunnels.

The underwater metro train is one-of-its-kind and is being compared to the Eurostar, which connects London and Paris. If estimates are to go by, the train will be travelling at a depth equivalent to a 10-storey structure while submerged.

Twin tunnels have been built of 1.4 m wide concrete rings, which will make up the underwater portion of the metro train. Further, to prevent water from entering the tunnels, they have been equipped with hydrophilic gaskets.

According to the reports, the project has been completed at a cost of roughly INR 8600 crore, and will likely become operational by March 2023.

Howrah metro station will be 33m deep and will be the deepest in the nation. Currently, the Hauz Khas in the Delhi Metro is currently the deepest, with a depth of 29 m. Additionally, the tunnel will have exits for emergencies like earthquakes.

Recently, a new underground metro station for the East-West corridor was also opened, and was inaugurated by Union Minister Smriti Irani.

Four additional underground stations at Esplanade, Mahakaran, Howrah, and Howrah Maidan would be added to the railway. Between the stations of Mahakaran and Howrah, the tunnel will cross the Hooghly river in just under a minute.