Who flagged off India’s first underwater metro car on the East–West corridor in Kolkata in March 2024?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer — Narendra Modi.
Explanation —
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first underwater metro service in Kolkata on March 6, 2024. This metro is part of Kolkata's East-West Corridor, connecting Howrah Maidan to Esplanade. The most significant feature of this project is the 520-meter-long tunnel constructed beneath the Hooghly River. The metro traverses this tunnel in just 45 seconds.
This stands as an outstanding example of India's engineering prowess, where rail tracks have been laid approximately 33 meters below the riverbed. This section forms part of the Kolkata Metro's East-West Metro Corridor, linking the IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan. With this inauguration, Howrah has become India's deepest metro station (located 30 meters below the surface).
Additional Points —
River: This tunnel has been constructed beneath the Hooghly River.
Howrah Maidan Station: This is India's deepest metro station.
History: The Kolkata Metro is also India's first metro system, having commenced operations in 1984.
Technology: 'Hydrophilic gaskets' and special concrete segments have been utilized to prevent water seepage within the tunnel.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers —
Question: Under which river has India's first underwater metro been constructed?
Answer: The Hooghly River.
Question: Which is India's deepest metro station?
Answer: Howrah Maidan.