Kolkata’s much-anticipated East-West Metro project took a major step forward this week as the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) completed a key inspection of the Esplanade-Sealdah stretch.
raising hopes for early passenger operations along the corridor. Officials confirmed that CRS Sumeet Singhal conducted a thorough examination on Sunday, expressing satisfaction with the infrastructure and operational readiness, although the formal clearance is still awaited.
The East-West Metro corridor, commonly referred to as the Green Line, is a vital component of Kolkata’s vision for sustainable urban transport. Stretching 16.55 kilometres from Howrah Maidan to Sector V, the line promises to dramatically cut travel times between two of the city’s busiest hubs — Howrah and Sealdah — easing congestion on overcrowded buses and reducing reliance on pollution-heavy road transport. During his visit, the CRS used a trolley to meticulously inspect eastbound and westbound tunnels, focusing on critical systems like tunnel ventilation, track alignment, and emergency evacuation preparedness.
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Singhal also undertook a close assessment of the Bowbazar section, which had earlier posed formidable challenges to the project’s timeline. In 2019, extensive tunnelling work in Bowbazar caused significant land subsidence, damaging several homes along Durga Pituri Lane and leading to major delays. A subsequent incident in October 2022 added to the setbacks. Nevertheless, Metro officials asserted that robust corrective measures have since stabilised the affected zones, restoring confidence in the safety and durability of the underground network.At present, partial operations are already underway along two stretches: Howrah Maidan to Esplanade, and Sealdah to Sector V. The final approval for the Esplanade-Sealdah segment will be crucial in connecting the two operational arms and offering seamless travel across the corridor.
The CRS inspection also covered the Operational Control Centre at Salt Lake, where advanced systems are in place to manage Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) technology — an innovation that marks a first for the city’s metro network. KMRCL Managing Director Anuj Mittal, along with senior engineering officials from Metro Railway and KMRCL, accompanied Singhal during the inspection, underlining the seriousness of the effort.The completion of the East-West Metro will not only modernise Kolkata’s transport ecosystem but also align with broader goals of reducing carbon emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and building more inclusive cities. By linking Howrah and Sealdah through an efficient, zero-emission metro line, the project stands to save an estimated 90 minutes daily for commuters — a massive quality-of-life improvement for thousands of residents.While the final nod from the Commissioner of Railway Safety is awaited, optimism runs high among both officials and citizens. The successful launch of this corridor would mark a watershed moment in Kolkata’s ongoing efforts to create a greener, smarter, and more equitable urban future, fostering growth while preserving the city’s historic charm.
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Kolkata East West Metro Nears Green Signal
