KOLKATA METRO
Long before metro networks expanded across Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Kolkata pioneered modern urban rail transport in India. The Kolkata Metro holds a special place in the country’s transportation history as India’s first metro railway and the first to run underground.
It is not just a mode of transport — it is a landmark in Indian engineering.
The Beginning of a Vision
The idea of a metro system for Kolkata emerged in the 1960s, when the city (then Calcutta) was facing severe traffic congestion and population pressure.
In 1972, the foundation stone for the metro project was laid. Construction began soon after, but it was far from easy. Engineers had to work through:
●Narrow and crowded streets
●Soft alluvial soil near the Hooghly River
●Old buildings and dense urban settlements
●Despite these challenges, the dream slowly took shape.
India’s First Underground Corridor
The first section of the metro became operational in 1984, making Kolkata the first Indian city to experience underground rail travel.
The original north–south corridor connected Dum Dum to Tollygunge (now Mahanayak Uttam Kumar). Large portions of this line were built underground, marking a significant engineering achievement for its time.
Tunneling in a city with waterlogged soil required innovative construction techniques. Much of the early tunneling was done using the “cut-and-cover” method, while later expansions used advanced tunnel boring machines.
Expansion and Modernisation
Over the years, the Kolkata Metro has expanded into multiple lines. A major milestone was the East–West Metro corridor, which includes India’s first underwater metro tunnel beneath the Hooghly River.
This engineering marvel connects Howrah and Kolkata through a tunnel running below the riverbed — a historic achievement in Indian urban infrastructure.
Today, the network continues to grow, improving connectivity across the metropolitan region.
Why Kolkata Metro Is Special
🚇 First metro system in India
🏗️ Among the earliest underground rail projects in the country
🌊 Home to India’s first underwater metro tunnel
🚦 A major solution to urban traffic congestion
It set the foundation for metro systems later developed in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
Impact on the City
The metro has transformed daily life in Kolkata by:
●Reducing travel time
●Offering an affordable commuting option
●Cutting down road congestion
●Lowering pollution levels
For lakhs of commuters, the metro is part of everyday routine — reliable, efficient, and economical.
A Blend of Heritage and Modernity
Kolkata is often called the “City of Joy,” known for its colonial architecture, trams, and literary culture. The underground metro blends seamlessly with this heritage, symbolising how tradition and modern engineering can coexist.
From hand-dug tunnels in the 1970s to state-of-the-art river tunnels today, Kolkata’s underground metro tells a story of vision, perseverance, and progress.
Conclusion
The Kolkata Metro is more than a transport system — it is a milestone in India’s urban development journey. As India continues expanding its metro networks, Kolkata will always be remembered as the city that started it all.
Beneath its bustling streets runs not just a railway — but a legacy of innovation. 🚇
