Railway Board CEO Jaya Verma Sinha inspects East-West Metro Corridor in Kolkata

Kolkata, India (Metro Rail Today): Jaya Verma Sinha, the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board, took a significant step in overseeing the progress of the East West Metro project in Kolkata. Her thorough inspection covered the Howrah Maidan to Esplanade stretch, including the groundbreaking tunnel under the River Hooghly – a first-of-its-kind in the country.

Traversing through the tunnel in a train, Sinha meticulously examined passenger amenities, safety protocols, and security measures earmarked for implementation. The inspection, which involved the journey from Howrah Maidan station to Esplanade station, marked a pivotal moment for the Kolkata Metro.

During discussions with Metro Railway General Manager P Uday Kumar Reddy and other senior officials from Metro and Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (KMRCL), the executing agency for the East West project, Sinha gained valuable insights into the project's progress.

The Railway Board Chairman was briefed on the ongoing developments, and her instructions emphasized the paramount importance of ensuring all safety measures for passengers before the commissioning of this crucial stretch. Safety, a top priority, received heightened attention during the inspection.

The East West Metro project plays a vital role in connecting Sector V in Salt Lake, West Bengal's IT hub, to Howrah Maidan, covering a distance of 16.55 km. The operational stretch between Sector V and Sealdah spans 9.30 km. However, the completion of the segment between Sealdah and Esplanade has faced delays due to unfortunate accidents during tunnelling work in the Bowbazar area of central Kolkata.

The challenges began with an aquifer burst on August 31, 2019, leading to significant ground subsidence and the collapse of multiple buildings. Subsequent water leakage incidents at the same site in 2022 further impeded the project's progress.

The comprehensive inspection by Railway Board Chairman Jaya Varma Sinha underscores the commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards for passengers on the East West Metro project. Despite challenges, the project remains a crucial link connecting key areas in Kolkata, contributing to the city's infrastructure development.