Inauguration of India's First Underwater Metro and Launch of Rs 15,400 Crore Projects by PM Modi in Kolkata
Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the stage for a momentous day on March 6 as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of groundbreaking connectivity projects in Kolkata. Valued at a staggering Rs 15,400 crores, these projects underscore the government's commitment to enhancing urban mobility and fostering economic development.
Connectivity Marvels Unveiled:
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Kolkata Metro Expansions:
- Howrah Maidan- Esplanade Metro Section: Marking a significant milestone, PM Modi inaugurated the Howrah Maidan- Esplanade Metro section, which includes India's first transportation tunnel beneath the mighty Hooghly River.
- Kavi Subhash- Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Metro Section: Another addition to Kolkata's metro network, promising enhanced connectivity.
- Taratala- Majerhat Metro Section (Part of Joka- Esplanade Line): A strategic segment contributing to the expansion of Kolkata's metro coverage.
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Pune Metro Expansion:
- Ruby Hall Clinic to Ramwadi Stretch: Extending the Pune Metro to cover vital stretches, addressing the city's growing transportation needs.
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Kochi Metro Rail Phase I Extension:
- SN Junction Metro Station to Tripunithura Metro Station: Expanding Kochi's metro network, a key component of urban infrastructure development.
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Agra Metro Extension:
- Taj East Gate to Mankameshwar: Enhancing connectivity to Agra's historical treasures, catering to both residents and tourists.
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Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor:
- Duhai-Modinagar (North) Section: A pivotal section contributing to the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), boosting economic activity in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Balancing Urban Mobility and Economic Growth:
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Inaugurating India's First Underwater Metro:
A crowning achievement was the inauguration of India's first underwater metro train by PM Modi, connecting Howrah Maidan and Esplanade in Kolkata. This 4.8-km stretch includes a 1.2-km tunnel beneath the Hooghly River, marking a historic milestone in transportation infrastructure.
Connecting Historical Cities:
The East-West Metro Corridor project, spanning from Sector V to Sealdah, witnessed its extension to Howrah Maidan. This 16.6-km stretch, identified in Kolkata's master plan in 1971, connects the two centuries-old historical cities of Howrah and Kolkata under the river Hooghly.
Enhanced Budgetary Allocations:
Highlighting the commitment to railway infrastructure, PM Modi emphasized the substantial increase in budgetary outlays for West Bengal. The railway budget outlay for 2024-25 stands at Rs 13,810 crore, reflecting a remarkable 215% increase compared to the average budget outlay of 2009-2014.
Accelerated Metro Projects:
In the past nine years, Indian Railways has provided significant impetus to complete pending railway infrastructure projects in West Bengal. With an expenditure of Rs 18,212 crore from 2014 to 2023, metro projects in Kolkata and its environs have been expedited, showcasing the government's commitment to fostering urban development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's inauguration of these transformative projects signifies a pivotal moment in Kolkata's journey towards enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and urban development. As the government continues to invest in groundbreaking initiatives, these connectivity marvels will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Kolkata and contributing to the nation's progress.
