Prepare for a groundbreaking under-the-river metro journey in India, which is going to be fulfilled very soon as the Metro Railway (Kolkata) is all set to ply under the river Hooghly this year. This unique transit will boast illuminated metro tunnels, creating an immersive under-the-river experience.
More Details:
The much-anticipated dream of an Under the River Metro journey in India is on the verge of realisation, as the East-West Metro gears up to transverse beneath the Hooghly river later this year. Commuters of East-West Metro Corridor which will connect Howrah Maidan with Salt Lake Sector V will be able to thoroughly enjoy this Under the River Metro Journey.
The twin subaqueous tunnels located 350 metres downstream of Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge) have been burrowed with the help of Earth Pressure Balancing Tunnel Boring Machines through predominantly stiff clayey silt.
Construction of this engineering marvel has been completed in a 66 days time and under the river length of this tunnel is 520 metres. These magnificent tunnels will connect two century old cities Howrah and Kolkata under the river Hooghly which was unthinkable a few years ago.
Making Memorable Journey:
- Metro Authorities are making elaborate arrangements to make this underwater journey, which will last for approx 45 seconds, memorable for all passengers.
- Though the non-transparent tunnels are circular bored tunnels of internal diameters 5.55 metres having 275 mm thick RCC segmental permanent liners,
- Still commuters will have the feeling that they are travelling under the river Hooghly.
- For this, special illumination of the inner walls of the tunnels under the river with blue lights has been arranged in order to give the effects of water around the moving rake.
- Apart from that, illuminated fishes will be swimming around the rake during this journey.
- Forty (40) such illuminated fishes will be swimming on the inner walls of the tunnels.
- This special arrangement has been made by Internationally famous multinationals Phillips.
- Kolkata Metro is also thinking of some special sound effects in this section to make this unique journey a riveting one.
Anticipating a thrilling milestone, Kolkata’s East-West Metro is set to make waves with its upcoming under-the-river journey, offering passengers a unique and illuminated experience beneath the Hooghly River.
Source: Kolkata Metro- Press Release | Images Credit: Kolkata Metro
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