The Kolkata underwater metro project is an innovative and ambitious infrastructure endeavor aimed at improving urban transportation in Kolkata, India. The project involves the construction of an underwater tunnel to connect important parts of the city and alleviate traffic congestion. To cover this topic comprehensively, I can provide a detailed overview including the project's history, objectives, engineering challenges, construction phases, technological aspects, environmental considerations, and anticipated impact on the city's transportation landscape. Let's dive in.
Overview of the Kolkata Underwater Metro Project
1. Introduction
The Kolkata underwater metro project is part of the Kolkata Metro Railway, operated by the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC). It aims to extend the metro rail network in the city by introducing an underwater section, a first of its kind in India.
2. Background
The idea of an underwater metro tunnel in Kolkata was conceived to address the growing congestion and limited transportation options in the city. The project was envisioned to provide a faster, more efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation.
3. Objectives
Enhance connectivity within Kolkata, particularly between the eastern and western parts of the city.
Reduce traffic congestion on the roads.
Provide a safe, reliable, and comfortable commuting option for residents.
Boost economic activities and development along the metro route.
Engineering and Design Aspects
1. Route and Stations
The underwater metro route stretches from Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V, covering approximately 16.6 kilometers. It includes a mix of elevated, underground, and underwater sections. Notable stations along the route include Howrah, Mahakaran, Esplanade, Sealdah, and Salt Lake Sector V.
2. Tunnel Construction
The underwater section involves the construction of a tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. This tunnel is approximately 520 meters long and runs at a depth of about 30 meters below the riverbed. Specialized engineering techniques such as tunnel boring machines (TBMs) are used for tunnel excavation and lining.
3. Technology and Safety
Advanced tunneling technology is employed to ensure the structural integrity and safety of the underwater tunnel.
Fire safety systems, emergency exits, and evacuation procedures are incorporated into the design to meet international safety standards.
Construction Phases and Challenges
1. Construction Timeline
The project has been implemented in phases, with each phase focusing on specific sections of the metro route. The underwater tunnel construction posed significant challenges due to the river's depth and the need for precision engineering.
2. Environmental Considerations
Special attention is given to environmental impact assessments and mitigation measures during construction. Measures such as sediment control, noise reduction, and waste management are implemented to minimize ecological disruption.
3. Engineering Challenges
2. CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
HISTORY
WHY IT IS NEEDED ?
BENEFITS OF METRO
SPECIAL FEATURES
KOLKATA UNDERGROUND METRO PROJECT
SAFETY ACTION
FUTURE PROJECTS & PLANS
CONCLUSION
REFERENCES
3. INTRODUCTION
Metro railways are urban rapid transit systems designed to
provide efficient, high-capacity transportation within cities
They typically consist of underground or elevated trains
running on dedicated tracks, separate from other traffic
Metro systems offer a solution to urban congestion,
reducing traffic congestion and pollution while providing
fast, reliable, and comfortable transportation for
commuters.
The concept of metro railways originated in Europe during
the late 19th century and has since spread to cities
worldwide, including India
underground
elevated
4. HISTORY
The idea of metro rail in India originated in the 1960s
India’s 1st and Asia’s 5th metro rail was introduced in
Kolkata
Over a length of 16.45 km and the work on this project
was sanctioned on 1.6.1972
The construction work started in 1973-74
After crossing so many hurdles Calcutta Metro started
its journey on October 24, 1984
5. WHY IT IS NEEDED
Unprecedented growth of personal vehicles
Growing traffic congestion
Air pollution and traffic accidents has become a major
concern
To avoid congestion at peak hours
Time saving
Reduced fuel consumption
Minimum environmental impact
6. BENEFITS OF METRO
Requires 1/5th energy per passenger km compared to road-based
transport system
Causes less noise, no air pollution and eco friendly transport system.
Occupies no road space if underground and only about 2.60 meters width
of the road if elevated
Reduces journey time
Cost effective mass transport system.
Reducing traffic transport problems
7. SPECIAL FEATURES
Air-conditioning and ventilation system for
environmental control of stations and
tunnels
Automatic ticket vending and checking
system
Automatic door opening / closing
A public address system is provided on the
trains to announce approaching stations
Free of cost 5g network
8. SAFETY ACTION
Cut & cover method with continuous diaphragm walls
Diaphragm walls are constructed in advance using
slurry French method
Walls are laterally supported by rolledbuilt up steel
section
Vertical rolled built up steel section is used to satisfy
slenderness limit in diaphragm wall & support traffic
as well
Stretches of 6.6m in dia. With 300mm thick concrete
lining
9. KOLKATA UNDERWATER METRO PROJECT
Kolkata's underwater metro project, known as the East-
West Metro, is India's first underwater metro line
The project aims to connect the eastern and western parts
of Kolkata, spanning a distance of approximately 16.6 km
A significant portion of the metro line, about 10.8 km, runs
underwater beneath the Hooghly River, making it a
remarkable engineering feat
Cost of construction from Howrah to Esplanade is around
4965-crores
10. KOLKATA UNDERWATER METRO PROJECT
Train will ply 13m below water and 13m below the clay
Train will go through the tunnel with speed of 80km/hr
It will take less than 45 sec to cross the river tunnels and 6 minutes to cover Howrah
Maidan to Esplanade
Diameter of each tunnel is 5.5m
Not a drop of water can enter the river tunnels. Hydrophilic gaskets are installed
between tunnel concrete
The underwater tunnel was constructed using tunnel boring machines (TBMs) machine
,they were Rachna, Prerna, Urvi & Chandi
13. CONCLUSION
These systems have significantly contributed to reducing traffic congestion, air pollution, and
commuting times, thereby enhancing the overall quality of urban life.
The continued expansion and improvement of metro railway networks in India and around the
world are crucial for sustainable urban development and economic growth.
As cities continue to expand and populations increase, metro railways will remain vital in providing
efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions for urban residents.
The success of metro railway projects underscores the importance of investing in public transit
infrastructure to address the evolving needs of urban populations and build more livable and
sustainable cities for the future.
14. REFERENCE
THE LALLANTOP NEWS
https://youtu.be/dYTezTA2xXs?si=JktwT60ecetyN6bq
STUDY IQ IAS
https://youtu.be/eaJZiAoImSc?si=k9q7KSAcMXxc7fDL
THE TIMES OF INDIA
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/e-w-metros-under-river-line-zero-tolerance-
engineering-for-kolkatas-first-underwater-
track/amp_articleshow/108312735.cms?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=social&utm_campai
gn=AmpArticleshowicon
GOOGLE WIKIPEDIA
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?search=India+first+underwater+metro+Kolkata&title=Spe
cial%3ASearch&profile=advanced&fulltext=1&ns0=1