Underwater Metro: A New Era of Transportation

POONAM MAYANI

Burrows under the bed of stream Hooghly, running 32 meters beneath water level, are viewed as a designing marvel; Metro station at Howrah also is most profound in the country; commercial administrations on the stretch expected to start in the not so distant future!

The concept of underwater metro is no longer a futuristic fantasy but a reality that has already been implemented in some parts of the world. It is a form of transportation that is both environmentally friendly and efficient, and it is gaining popularity as a potential solution to the increasing traffic congestion and environmental pollution that urban areas face.

In a first for the country, Kolkata Metro contacted an achievement on Wednesday by going through the passage under Hooghly stream. The metro rake embraced its maiden process from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade, with just officials and specialists ready.

Two Metro rakes had been taken to Howrah Maidan station from Esplanade station, for the trial runs along the 4.8-km underground segment from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade. Burrows under the bed of stream Hooghly, 32 meters beneath the water level, are viewed as a designing marvel and are part of East West Metro Venture that aims to interface Howrah Maidan with Rajarhat along the 16.6-km course.

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The most common way of laying the passage was finished in 2017. The underwater passages will interface Kolkata and Howrah with a Metro station at Howrah which will be the most profound Metro station (33 meters underneath surface) of the country. The Metro is supposed to cover the 520-meter stretch under the waterway Hooghly in a span of 45 seconds.

Underwater metro systems operate similarly to traditional subways, with the only difference being that they run beneath the water. The idea of an underwater metro system has been around for several decades, but it has only recently gained traction due to technological advancements that have made it more feasible and cost-effective.

One of the most notable underwater metro systems in the world is the MTR Corporation’s Kwun Tong Line Extension in Hong Kong. This system, which opened in 2016, features a 2.6-kilometer-long tunnel that runs beneath Victoria Harbour, connecting the districts of Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom. The project was completed on time and within budget, and it has been hailed as a success by both commuters and environmentalists.

The benefits of underwater metro systems are numerous. For one, they can reduce traffic congestion by providing an alternative mode of transportation. This is particularly important in urban areas where traffic congestion can cause significant delays and reduce productivity. Additionally, underwater metro systems are environmentally friendly as they emit fewer greenhouse gases compared to traditional modes of transportation such as cars and buses.

Another advantage of underwater metro systems is their safety. Because they are located underground and underwater, they are less vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes. Additionally, the risk of accidents such as collisions is greatly reduced as there is no interaction with other modes of transportation.

However, there are also some challenges associated with underwater metro systems. One of the biggest challenges is the cost of construction. Building an underwater metro system requires advanced technology and specialized equipment, which can be expensive. Additionally, the maintenance and repair of these systems can also be costly.

Another challenge is the potential environmental impact of constructing an underwater metro system. The construction process can disrupt marine ecosystems, and there is also the risk of leaks or spills that could harm marine life. However, these challenges can be mitigated through careful planning and environmental impact assessments.

Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of underwater metro systems are undeniable. In addition to reducing traffic congestion and promoting environmental sustainability, they can also serve as tourist attractions, as evidenced by the popularity of the Hong Kong underwater metro system.

As more cities around the world grapple with traffic congestion and environmental concerns, the implementation of underwater metro systems may become increasingly common.

One city that is also considering an underwater metro system is Mumbai, India. The city, which is known for its traffic congestion and air pollution, has been exploring the possibility of building an underwater metro system that would connect the city’s eastern and western suburbs. The project, known as the Coastal Road, would involve the construction of a 29-kilometer-long tunnel beneath the Arabian Sea.

While the project is still in the planning stages, it has the potential to transform transportation in Mumbai and promote environmental sustainability. The city’s government has expressed its commitment to promoting sustainable transportation solutions, and the underwater metro system could be a key component of this effort.

In conclusion, underwater metro systems represent a new era of transportation that could revolutionize the way we travel. As more cities around the world seek sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, the underwater metro system could become an increasingly popular option.

While there are challenges associated with its construction, careful planning and environmental impact assessments can help mitigate these issues, ensuring that the benefits of this innovative transportation system are realized.

[Poonam Mayani is from Pune]

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