The final 2.6-kilometre stretch of Kolkata’s East-West Metro corridor, running through the challenging Bowbazar zone, underwent its crucial safety inspection by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) on Sunday, April 27. Once approved, this will complete the entire 16.6 km Green Line, marking a major milestone for the city’s metro network. “Once formal sanction is granted, passengers will be able to travel directly from Sector V to Howrah Maidan, crossing the Hooghly River,” said a Metro Railway spokesperson. The East-West Metro will then become fully operational, offering uninterrupted connectivity across the city for the first time.Sumeet Singhal, Commissioner of Railway Safety (North Frontier Circle), led the inspection beginning at 9:00 AM. The assessment covered:Tunnel ventilation systemsTrack infrastructureEmergency evacuation proceduresPassenger safety protocolsSinghal conducted speed trials at 80 kmph between Mahakaran and Central Park stations, and inspected systems at Esplanade station. He also reviewed sub-surface tunnel conditions on foot across both eastbound and westbound tracks—particularly through the subsidence-prone Bowbazar area, where unstable soil had previously caused severe delays.The East-West Metro currently operates in two separate segments:Sector V to Sealdah – 9.2 kmEsplanade to Howrah Maidan – 4.8 kmThe missing link between Sealdah and Esplanade had faced prolonged construction challenges due to porous and unstable soil in Bowbazar, which led to ground subsidence and structural complications. Following the inspection, Metro officials confirmed that CRS expressed satisfaction with the project’s preparedness for passenger service.Anuj Mittal, Managing Director of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC), along with senior Metro and Railway officials, accompanied the CRS team during the inspection. With final approval expected shortly, Kolkata is now on the cusp of launching its first fully connected East-West Metro corridor.