Kolkata Metro’s East-West Corridor: The Last Puzzle Piece Falls Into Place

Kolkata's much-awaited hassle-free metro journey from Howrah Maidan to Sector V is finally closing in on reality after the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) gave clearance for the crucial Esplanade-Sealdah segment. The 2.6 km-long underground section, which was checked on April 27, got the CRS green light on April 29, setting the stage for seamless travel along the entire 16.6 km East-West Metro route.

Key Highlights

Safety Clearance Achieved: CRS Sumeet Singhal confirmed tunnel infrastructure, ventilation, emergency procedures, and track conditions during a thorough inspection, including the subsidence-vulnerable Bowbazar section.

Operational Preparations: Metro officials cut services on the Sealdah-Sector V section (Green Line-1) to 90 trips (from 106) on April 29 for software updates in BEML rakes to make them compatible with the extended route.

Historic Connectivity: Upon completion, the corridor will connect two isolated segments-Howrah Maidan-Esplanade (4.8 km) and Sealdah-Sector V (9.4 km)-with direct commutes under the Hooghly River through India's first underwater metro tunnel.

Challenges Overcome: Land subsidence in Bowbazar (2019 and 2022), which caused damage to buildings and slowed down tunneling operations, delayed the project.

Next Steps
The CRS approval is valid for half a year, within which time Metro Railway will have to correct outstanding observations. Services are likely to start soon, obviating the need for commuters to change trains at Esplanade or Sealdah.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Times of India, India TV News