Jindal Stainless has provided stainless steel for India’s inaugural underwater metro line in Kolkata, which commenced operations to the public last week. The project, valued at Rs 4,965 crore, was officially inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This significant development sees the underwater segment of the metro, spanning from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan on the Green Line, covering a distance of 4.8 km beneath the river Hooghly in just 45 seconds. This stretch forms a vital part of the broader East-West Metro corridor connecting Howrah Maiden to Salt Lake Sector V, a prominent IT hub in West Bengal.
Jindal Stainless has supplied SS 301LN, a high-quality austenitic grade of stainless steel, in various tempers for the fabrication of different components of the Kolkata Metro. Its corrosion-resistant properties ensure minimal requirement for regular repair and maintenance, offering a cost-effective solution over its lifecycle.
Abhyuday Jindal, Managing Director, Jindal Stainless, remarked, “The launch of the underwater metro corridor in Kolkata stands as a powerful testament to India’s infrastructural capabilities. We congratulate the Government of India on achieving this milestone. The project not only augments connectivity but also exemplifies the transformative potential of stainless steel in urban infrastructure development. Besides offering a distinctive travel experience, this monumental initiative is also poised to revolutionise urban transportation through similar marvels in the years to come.”
Notably, Howrah will host the deepest metro station in the country, situated 33 m below ground level. The tunnel constructed for this metro line beneath the river reaches a depth of 32 m below water level.
Jindal Stainless has supplied materials for several significant infrastructure projects, including the Meerut metro trainsets, part of India’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The company provided stainless steel 301LN in both cold rolled and hot rolled finishes for these trainsets, which boast technologically advanced features. The Meerut metro corridor spans 23 km with 13 stations, featuring 18 km of elevated and 5 km of underground sections. These trains, with a stainless steel body, have a design speed of 135 kmph, set to operate at 120 kmph, making them the fastest metro trains in India.