Kolkata Metro Awaits Final Safety Approval for New Corridor
Kolkata Metro is on the cusp of expanding its East-West corridor, with the 16.55 km stretch from Howrah Maidan to Sector V nearly ready for passenger services.
However, the final nod from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) remains pending, delaying the commencement of operations on this crucial link. The East-West Metro corridor, a flagship project by the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRCL), aims to provide seamless connectivity between Howrah and Salt Lake, significantly reducing travel time and easing congestion. The stretch under scrutiny includes the 4.8 km underground segment beneath the Hooghly River, a technical feat that positions Kolkata as a pioneer in India’s metro infrastructure.
Recent inspections by the CRS have focused on various aspects of the corridor, including tunnel safety, track integrity, and station facilities. The CRS’s approval is a mandatory step before the commencement of commercial operations, ensuring that all safety standards are met. In preparation for the full-scale launch, Metro Railway has announced a temporary reduction in services on the Green Line-1. On April 29, only 90 services will operate, with trains running at 20-minute intervals, down from the usual 106 services. This adjustment aims to facilitate final testing and readiness checks.
The completion of the East-West corridor is expected to revolutionize urban mobility in Kolkata, providing a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly alternative to road transport. Once operational, the corridor will connect key areas, including Howrah Maidan, Esplanade, Sealdah, and Sector V, enhancing accessibility and promoting sustainable urban development. As the city awaits the CRS’s final clearance, stakeholders remain optimistic about the project’s completion, which promises to be a significant milestone in Kolkata’s public transportation evolution.