Kolkata Celebrates First Under-River Metro Triumph
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Kolkata Celebrates First Under-River Metro Triumph

Earlier this month, India celebrated a significant milestone in its transportation infrastructure with the inauguration of the country's first under-river metro train service in Kolkata. The Howrah Maidan and Esplanade corridor, a remarkable feat of engineering, welcomed its first passengers, marking a historic moment for the nation.

The inaugural service, traversing beneath the Hooghly River, garnered an overwhelming response with approximately 70,000 passengers on its maiden voyage. This success stands as a testament to the Kolkata Metro's efficacy in meeting the public's transportation needs. However, the journey to this achievement was not without its obstacles, as revealed by project experts.

A pivotal aspect of overcoming these challenges was the collaboration between India and Germany. Specially designed German-made tunnel boring machines (TBMs) played a crucial role in navigating the unforeseen hurdles encountered during the construction phase. Afcons Infrastructure Limited, a multinational construction and engineering company, underscored the uniqueness of these TBMs and their contribution to the project's success.

Tamal Biswas, Project Manager at Afcons Infrastructure Limited, highlighted the complexities of Kolkata's soil, emphasizing its treacherous and unpredictable nature. The presence of underground channels and aquifers connected to the Hooghly River posed significant challenges that required innovative solutions.

The journey towards realizing the underwater corridor began with meticulous planning and technological prowess. A thorough understanding of the soil conditions and project requirements preceded the manufacturing of the German TBMs, which boasted several special features tailored to the Kolkata Metro project.

In a multi-nation collaboration, experts from Russia, South Africa, and Europe, alongside German engineers, lent their expertise to the project. This diverse team navigated the complexities of under-river tunnel construction, leveraging their collective knowledge to overcome obstacles.

One of the most remarkable features of the project was the continuous operation of the TBMs without interruption. Unlike traditional tunnel boring processes, where machines are periodically serviced, the Kolkata Metro TBMs operated seamlessly, covering a distance of 4.8 km across three stations without resurfacing.

Moreover, the TBMs were equipped with special features, including the capability to function as submarines in case of river water ingress?a testament to the project's thorough planning and risk management.

The successful inauguration of the 4.8-km-long underground stretch on March 6, marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signifies a significant leap in India's transportation infrastructure. As commercial operations commenced on March 15, Kolkata Metro's underwater corridor stands as a symbol of innovation and collaboration, heralding a new era in India's metro rail network.

Earlier this month, India celebrated a significant milestone in its transportation infrastructure with the inauguration of the country's first under-river metro train service in Kolkata. The Howrah Maidan and Esplanade corridor, a remarkable feat of engineering, welcomed its first passengers, marking a historic moment for the nation. The inaugural service, traversing beneath the Hooghly River, garnered an overwhelming response with approximately 70,000 passengers on its maiden voyage. This success stands as a testament to the Kolkata Metro's efficacy in meeting the public's transportation needs. However, the journey to this achievement was not without its obstacles, as revealed by project experts. A pivotal aspect of overcoming these challenges was the collaboration between India and Germany. Specially designed German-made tunnel boring machines (TBMs) played a crucial role in navigating the unforeseen hurdles encountered during the construction phase. Afcons Infrastructure Limited, a multinational construction and engineering company, underscored the uniqueness of these TBMs and their contribution to the project's success. Tamal Biswas, Project Manager at Afcons Infrastructure Limited, highlighted the complexities of Kolkata's soil, emphasizing its treacherous and unpredictable nature. The presence of underground channels and aquifers connected to the Hooghly River posed significant challenges that required innovative solutions. The journey towards realizing the underwater corridor began with meticulous planning and technological prowess. A thorough understanding of the soil conditions and project requirements preceded the manufacturing of the German TBMs, which boasted several special features tailored to the Kolkata Metro project. In a multi-nation collaboration, experts from Russia, South Africa, and Europe, alongside German engineers, lent their expertise to the project. This diverse team navigated the complexities of under-river tunnel construction, leveraging their collective knowledge to overcome obstacles. One of the most remarkable features of the project was the continuous operation of the TBMs without interruption. Unlike traditional tunnel boring processes, where machines are periodically serviced, the Kolkata Metro TBMs operated seamlessly, covering a distance of 4.8 km across three stations without resurfacing. Moreover, the TBMs were equipped with special features, including the capability to function as submarines in case of river water ingress?a testament to the project's thorough planning and risk management. The successful inauguration of the 4.8-km-long underground stretch on March 6, marked by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signifies a significant leap in India's transportation infrastructure. As commercial operations commenced on March 15, Kolkata Metro's underwater corridor stands as a symbol of innovation and collaboration, heralding a new era in India's metro rail network.

Next Story
Products

TOTO India Launches Premium G & L Showers with Sleek Faucet Range

TOTO India has launched its G Shower and L Shower series, alongside an expanded range of GT, LH, and Pull-Out lavatory faucets. The collection blends advanced technology, refined aesthetics, and everyday comfort, staying true to TOTO’s philosophy of creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. The G Shower series delivers the 3Rs of showering: Relaxing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing. Features include the Calming Shawl spray mode, Warm Spa technology, and multiple overhead and hand-shower options across eight finishes. The L Shower complements this with easy-to-use controls sui..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Hero Future Energies Secures Funding for 120 MW Hybrid Project

Hero Future Energies (HFE), through its SPV Clean Renewable Energy Hybrid Three, has secured Rs 19.08 billion in funding from the State Bank of India (lead) and Canara Bank. The funds will be used to develop and construct HFE’s 120 MW renewable energy hybrid project at Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh. The project, contracted with SJVN, integrates wind, solar, and storage technologies to deliver reliable peak power. With a 21-year repayment period, the funding ensures timely execution and the commencement of commercial operations. The financial closure demonstrates continued lender confidence in..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

IOC GPS Renewables Raises Rs 8.36 billion Debt for Compressed Biogas Plants

IOC GPS Renewables Private Limited (IGRPL), a joint venture between IndianOil Corporation  and GPS Renewables, has raised Rs 8.36 billion (approx. US$ 95 million) in debt financing from Indian Bank to execute nine Compressed Biogas (CBG) projects across India.   The funding is the largest single-bank debt raise in the CBG sector and the first fully non-recourse financing in India for these projects. The plants—four in Haryana, three in Uttar Pradesh, one each in Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh—will each produce 15 tonnes of CBG per day using paddy straw as feedstock. All nin..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?