East-West Metro Becomes Kolkata's Lifeline Amid Protests

30 Aug 2024 CW Team

The East-West Metro in Kolkata proved to be an essential lifeline for commuters as it joined forces with the North-South Metro to ferry passengers underground while clashes erupted on the streets between police and protesters. The Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section of the East-West Metro became the sole means of travel between Kolkata and Howrah, transporting over 47,000 passengers by 5 pm, significantly surpassing its average daily ridership since its launch in March.

Metro officials anticipate that the total ridership could exceed the record 70,000 passengers on the corridor's opening day, March 15. Meanwhile, the North-South Metro carried around 3 lakh passengers by 5 pm, nearing its usual daily ridership of 5 lakhs.

From early morning, commuters from both cities crowded into the four metro stations, knowing there was no alternative for crossing the Hooghly River.

The 'Chhatra Samaj' protests led to a complete halt in road transport on the Howrah side of the river, leaving buses, taxis, and app cabs off the roads. Many commuters, like musician Soumendu Das from Mandirtala, relied on the metro to reach Kolkata for work, only to find themselves stranded without transport options in the evening.

Despite the inconveniences, commuters were grateful for the metro. Kalighat resident S K Das, 72, shared, "If it hadn?t been for the new metro, we would have missed the Rajdhani Express." Nirmal Das, a Mecheda resident working at the Esplanade post office, recounted his first under-river metro journey with mixed emotions, noting that while he had planned to try the new metro line, the protests forced him to do so sooner than expected.

This event highlights the critical role of Kolkata?s metro system in maintaining connectivity during times of crisis, providing an essential service when all other transport options fail.

Real Estate

09 Mar 2026

Hindware Introduces Starc Smart Wall Mount Toilet

Hindware has introduced the Starc Smart Wall-Mount Toilet under its Hindware Italian Collection, designed to combine automation, hygiene and contemporary bathroom aesthetics. The model features automatic flushing, sensor-based seat opening and closing, and remote-controlled functions. It also includes an oscillating water spray and warm air dryer for cleaning, along with a self-cleaning nozzle designed to maintain hygiene. Additional features include adjustable heated seating, customisable water temperature and pressure settings, a foot-touch flush system and an LCD control interface. The wa..

Company showcases North America-certified machinery and secures new deals

Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., recently showcased a wide portfolio of North America-certified and customised construction equipment at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 in Las Vegas. The display included engineering hoisting machinery, concrete equipment, earthmoving machinery, mining equipment and construction hoisting solutions tailored to regional operational requirements.All equipment presented at the exhibition complies with North American certification standards, with several models specifically developed to meet local regulatory requirements and site conditions. One of the hig..

Sinoboom Launches Dual-ETM Smart Technology

Sinoboom recently introduced its Dual-ETM Smart Technology at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, designed to enhance battery endurance and operational efficiency in electric boom lifts.The new technology integrates advanced components that enable real-time optimisation of power usage during equipment operation. By calculating the precise power requirement instantly, the system delivers only the energy needed for each movement, reducing the inefficiencies associated with conventional maximum-demand power systems.The solution incorporates multiple sensors—including pressure, weight, length and level sensor..