In a landmark development for Kolkata’s urban mobility sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled and initiated connectivity projects worth a staggering Rs 15,400 crore. The expansive initiative encompasses pivotal infrastructure advancements, including the introduction of the Metro Rail and Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS).
During the inauguration, the Prime Minister, accompanied by the Governor of West Bengal, CV Ananda Bose, embarked on a memorable metro journey on the Esplanade – Howrah Maidan metro route, marking India’s inaugural Underwater Metro in Kolkata. Engaging with both skilled workers and schoolchildren during his metro voyage, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude for the collective effort that brought this ambitious project to fruition.
In a series of posts on X, the Prime Minister reflected on the significance of the day for the people of Kolkata, underscoring the substantial expansion of the city’s metro network. He highlighted the transformative impact on connectivity, anticipating a substantial alleviation of traffic congestion. Notably, he acknowledged the historic achievement of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Metro section, featuring the first underwater metro transportation tunnel beneath a major river in the country.
Memorable moments from the Kolkata Metro journey were captured as the Prime Minister bowed to the resilience and strength of the community, pledging to continue serving them with renewed vigour.
The scope of the Prime Minister’s focus on urban mobility enhancement extended beyond Kolkata. He inaugurated key metro sections, including the Howrah Maidan – Esplanade, Kavi Subhash – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, and Taratala – Majerhat sections. Additionally, the Prime Minister launched the Pune Metro’s Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi stretch, the Kochi Metro Rail Phase I Extension project (Phase IB), the Agra Metro’s Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar stretch, and the Duhai-Modinagar (North) section of the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor. Train services were flagged off on these sections, and the foundation stone was laid for extending Pune Metro Rail project Phase 1 between Pimpri Chinchwad Metro-Nigdi.
These strategic expansions are poised to decongest road traffic and facilitate seamless, comfortable connectivity. The historic Howrah Maidan – Esplanade Metro section, with its underwater tunnel, showcases India’s commitment to groundbreaking transportation infrastructure. Notably, the Agra Metro section inaugurated will significantly enhance connectivity to historical tourist destinations, while the RRTS section promises to bolster economic activity in the National Capital Region (NCR).