Kolkata: The East-West Metro corridor in Kolkata is poised to commence its full 16.6-kilometre run in March 2025, as confirmed by the managing director of the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC), the implementing agency of India’s first under-river metro project. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the city’s transit development, highlighting the completion of a complex and ambitious infrastructure project.
“We are targeting a March 2025 commissioning. It’s indeed a privilege to be part of the accomplished team that will ensure the entire 16.6km corridor, which includes India’s first under-river rail tracks in the 4.8km Esplanade to Howrah Maidan section, is launched,” stated the KMRC managing director on Wednesday. The East-West Metro, also known as the Green Line, currently operates in two separate segments: a 9.4km stretch from Sector V to Sealdah in the east, and another segment from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan in the west. The pivotal 2.5km section between Sealdah and Esplanade, which passes through the subsidence-prone Bowbazar area, remains incomplete.
Despite earlier reports suggesting a slow progress rate and an anticipated full run by February, the KMRC has set a more conservative deadline to ensure all safety protocols are meticulously followed. “Safety comes first, at whatever cost,” the managing director emphasised, acknowledging the challenges posed by the porous soil conditions in the Bowbazar region.
The completion of the last cross passage (CP) marks a critical achievement in the project’s timeline. While three other CPs had to be replaced with a passenger evacuation shaft at Bowbazar, the KMRC official expressed optimism about the project’s progress. “The last cross passage has been completed. We have had to do away with three other CPs and replace them with a passenger evacuation shaft at Bowbazar. Let me see for myself the status of the construction in this challenging stretch and then comment on the details,” he said. The East-West Metro project has faced multiple delays and challenges, particularly in the Bowbazar area, known for its subsidence issues. However, the focus on safety and meticulous planning has been paramount to the KMRC’s approach. The completion of this project will not only enhance connectivity across Kolkata but also set a precedent for future urban infrastructure developments in India.
As Kolkata prepares for the full launch of its East-West Metro corridor, the project underscores the importance of integrating advanced engineering techniques and rigorous safety standards in urban transit projects. The under-river rail tracks between Esplanade and Howrah Maidan will be a landmark achievement, demonstrating India’s capabilities in executing complex infrastructure projects. The March 2025 target date offers a realistic timeline for the completion of the Sealdah-Esplanade section, providing the KMRC with ample time to address any unforeseen challenges and ensure the highest standards of safety and efficiency. As the countdown to the launch begins, Kolkata’s residents can look forward to a new era of enhanced urban mobility and connectivity.
