News Brief
Kolkata Metro's East-West Corridor Set To Be Launched As Railway Safety Commission Conducts Final Inspection
Metro (Image via Twitter)
The East-West Metro's final 2.6 km stretch, cutting through the challenging subsidence-prone Bowbazar area of central Kolkata, underwent its crucial safety inspection by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) on Sunday (27 April), TOI reported.
Once formally sanctioned, it will mark the operational launch of the entire 16.6 km Green Line, a landmark moment for the city’s rapid transit system.
"Once the formal sanction comes from the CRS, the entire 16.6 km of the Green Line can be launched. Passengers will be able to travel from Sector V to Howrah Maidan, via the Hooghly, at last," confirmed a spokesperson of Metro Railway.
The CRS, operating under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is tasked with approving new metro lines across India.
Sumeet Singhal, Commissioner of Railway Safety (North Frontier Circle), commenced the meticulous inspection at 9 am, covering key facilities such as tracks, tunnel ventilation, emergency response systems, and passenger safety parameters.
The East-West Metro currently operates two disconnected sections: Sector V-Sealdah (9.2 km) and Esplanade-Howrah Maidan (4.8 km). Construction along the Sealdah-Esplanade stretch had been fraught with challenges due to the area's unstable, porous soil, causing significant delays.
Following a comprehensive review including an on-foot inspection across eastbound and westbound tunnels, Singhal expressed satisfaction with the newly completed segment’s readiness.
"The CRS expressed satisfaction with the readiness of the newly completed section," reiterated the Metro Railway spokesperson.
Anuj Mittal, MD of Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC), along with senior Metro Railway officials, accompanied the inspection. With final clearances imminent, Kolkata edges closer to a fully operational East-West Metro.
