India's first underwater train to be launched in Kolkata soon

India could soon have its first underwater train in Kolkata as Union Railways minister has announced that most of the work for the train project has been completed and the metro train services would start soon.

"India's first underwater train will soon get started in Kolkata under the Hubli river. An example of impeccable engineering, this train is proof of the progress made by Indian Railways. This train will bring ease to the people of Kolkata and pride to the people of India." Rail minister Piyush Goyal said in Twitter yesterday.



The 16.6-km long Kolkata East West Metro project, to be completed by 2021, will have the county's first underwater tunnel.

The metro line has 520-metre twin tunnels built 30 metres below the riverbed. The tunnel is provided with four-layers of protection to shield it from the water of the mighty Hubli river.

The section between Howrah and Mahakaran metro stations will be under the river for only about a minute when the train passes through the tunnel at a speed of 80 km per hour.

The phase-one of the project between Salt Lake Sector-5 to Salt Lake Stadium is almost complete and will soon be operational.

According to Railways estimate the project will ferry an estimated one million passengers per day by 2035.

(Inputs from ANI & PTI)