Kolkata’s East-West Metro has reinforced its most fragile stretch in Bowbazar with a suite of new safety technologies, aiming to prevent soil subsidence and safeguard uninterrupted passenger services. The section, once synonymous with structural instability and repeated ground collapses, is now under close technical surveillance with vibration cushions, laser-guided monitors, and rapid-response grouting teams.
The Bowbazar corridor, part of the 16.6 km line linking Howrah Maidan to Sector V, had earlier witnessed four subsidence episodes between 2019 and 2023, leading to the demolition of around 25 houses and damage to more than 50 others. With full passenger operations commencing recently, authorities are working to restore public confidence in the safety of the route.At the heart of the upgrades is the installation of Pandrol Vanguard technology specialised rubber cushions placed along the track bed. Officials explained that these cushions absorb vibration by nearly 20 per cent, making them suitable for geologically sensitive areas in dense urban zones. The system was trialled successfully on other sections before being introduced into Bowbazar.
Complementing the cushioning technology is a rigorous laser-based monitoring system. Engineers have placed optical targets along the tunnel walls to track the slightest soil shifts or alignment deviations. These targets are regularly scanned with precision readers that identify ground movement on a millimetre scale. Data collected is classified into three stages alert, alarm, and action with the final stage prompting immediate intervention, such as targeted grouting to block seepage.Currently, monitoring takes place during non-operational hours once daily services conclude, but officials have confirmed that work is under way to automate the process. Smaller devices will soon be stationed inside the tunnels to transmit real-time readings at fixed intervals, reducing human dependence and strengthening preventive action. The transition to automated surveillance is expected to take around three months.
Experts note that the Bowbazar model aligns with international best practice, where monitoring is considered essential in preventing disasters in underground railways. Night-time inspections, coupled with chemical or cement injections to plug seepage, are standard globally. The new Bowbazar measures, they argue, represent a major step towards safer, sustainable infrastructure for Kolkata’s growing metro network.While the memory of subsidence still lingers among residents, the adoption of advanced safeguards positions the East-West Metro as a project prioritising both commuter safety and sustainable engineering. The renewed resilience of Bowbazar’s tunnels is not just about securing structures but about strengthening confidence in the city’s journey towards modern, eco-friendly mobility.
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Kolkata Metro strengthens Bowbazar tunnels with advanced safety monitoring
