PM Modi Inaugurates Kolkata’s First Underwater Metro and Other Projects Worth ₹15,400 Crore

In a significant boost to urban mobility and infrastructure development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for various projects totalling ₹15,400 crore in Kolkata, West Bengal, on Wednesday, March 6. Among the highlights was the inauguration of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of Kolkata’s East-West Metro corridor, marking India’s first foray into underwater metro services. The 4.8-km stretch, constructed at a cost of ₹4,965 crore, features India’s deepest metro station at Howrah, 30 meters below ground. This corridor aims to connect critical areas including the IT hub, Salt Lake Sector V.

The inauguration is part of PM Modi’s extensive 10-day tour across 12 states and union territories, marking his second visit to West Bengal within five days. The Prime Minister also flagged off several other metro services in Kolkata, such as the Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay and Taratala-Majerhat sections, aiming to enhance urban mobility. Additionally, projects in Pune, Kochi, Agra, and the Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor were also dedicated to the nation, showcasing the government’s commitment to developing urban transport.

PM Modi’s visit not only emphasizes infrastructure development but also political engagement, as indicated by his planned public rally in Barasat, North 24 Parganas, and a “courtesy meeting” with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. His address in Sandeshkhali last week, criticizing the TMC government and calling for its defeat in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, underscores the intertwining of developmental initiatives and political strategy in the lead-up to the elections.

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