Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the JICA-funded Esplanade–Sealdah section of Kolkata East-West Metro, along with other metro projects in West Bengal. With India’s first underwater metro tunnel, the fully operational corridor from Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector-5 highlights JICA’s vital support for sustainable, low-carbon urban mobility.
Introduction:
In a significant achievement for urban mobility, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) extended warm congratulations to the Government of India, Government of West Bengal, Indian Railways, and Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited on the inauguration of the final 2.45 km stretch of the Kolkata East-West Metro between Esplanade and Sealdah. The ceremony, led by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, marks the completion of the entire 16.55 km corridor from Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector-5.
This milestone reflects not just an infrastructural success, but a testament to Indo-Japanese cooperation in advancing sustainable urban transport solutions.
A Landmark Project in India’s Metro Journey:
The Kolkata East-West Metro is one of India’s most ambitious urban transport undertakings. Distinguished as the country’s first metro line with an underwater tunnel beneath the Hooghly River, the corridor connects two of India’s busiest railway hubs—Howrah and Sealdah. By doing so, it offers seamless multimodal connectivity, easing daily travel for millions and reducing the burden on Kolkata’s road network.
The project represents a giant leap toward sustainable and efficient urban mobility, addressing long-standing challenges of congestion and pollution in the city.
JICA’s Role and Financial Commitment:
JICA has played a central role in making this transformative project a reality. Its support spans over a decade, with four tranches of Official Development Assistance (ODA) loans totaling 64,833 million JPY.
- First tranche: March 2008
- Second tranche: March 2010
- Third tranche: September 2018
- Fourth tranche: March 2021
Through this consistent financial backing, JICA has ensured the project had the resources needed to progress despite technical, financial, and execution challenges.
Key Inaugurations and Flag-Offs:
The Prime Minister’s visit marked the inauguration of several significant stretches and facilities, along with the launch of multiple metro services. The projects together expand Kolkata’s metro reach by 13.61 km, strengthening the city’s multimodal transport network.
Inaugurated Sections & Infrastructure:
- Sealdah – Esplanade Metro Section (2.45 km, Rs. 1,185 Cr.)
- Links Howrah and Sealdah, India’s busiest railway stations.
- Enables faster connectivity across the Hooghly, cutting travel time to 11 minutes.
- Beleghata – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Metro Section (4.39 km, Rs. 875 Cr.)
- Part of the Orange Line corridor.
- Strengthens access to South 24 Parganas, easing commutes for lakhs.
- Noapara – Jai Hind Bimanbandar Metro Section (6.77 km, Rs. 1,866 Cr.)
- A vital link providing direct airport connectivity.
- Significantly improves mobility for residents of Kolkata and North 24 Parganas.
- Howrah Metro Station Subway (Rs. 43 Cr.)
- Improves passenger flow between Kolkata Metro and Eastern/South Eastern Railway.
- Provides safer, smoother interchanges for commuters.
Metro Train Flag-Offs:
- Between Sealdah – Esplanade (East-West Line)
- Between Noapara – Jai Hind Bimanbandar (Yellow Line)
- Between Beleghata – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Orange Line)
Detailed Benefits of Key Sections:
- Sealdah – Esplanade (East-West Line)
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- Distance between Sealdah and Howrah Railway Stations now covered in only 11 minutes (down from 40 minutes).
- Links business districts with suburban hubs, reducing commute stress.
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- Noapara – Jai Hind Bimanbandar (Yellow Line)
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- Benefits residents of North 24 Parganas with improved connectivity.
- Expected to reduce road traffic heading to the airport, easing congestion.
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- Beleghata – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Orange Line)
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- Connects with IT hubs and residential zones.
- Enhances access for South 24 Parganas commuters and boosts employment opportunities.
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- Howrah Metro Station Subway
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- Strengthens multimodal transport by linking metro and mainline railway platforms.
- Enhances safety and comfort for millions of passengers transiting daily.
Japan-India Partnership in Infrastructure Development:
This project reflects Japan’s continued partnership with India in building quality infrastructure. Beyond financial assistance, JICA has actively promoted resilient, low-carbon transport systems tailored to India’s urban needs. The Kolkata East-West Metro is a model of how international cooperation can address urban challenges through technology, funding, and expertise.
Insight:
Mr. TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India, said, “The completion of the Kolkata East-West Metro corridor is a proud moment for all of us. It is not just an engineering marvel – featuring India’s first under-river tunnel and cutting-edge technology – but also a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship and cooperation between India and Japan. This metro line will significantly ease traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and improve the quality of life for millions of commuters in Kolkata.”
Conclusion:
The full operation of the Kolkata East-West Metro corridor is not just a milestone for India’s metro network, but also a shining example of Indo-Japanese collaboration. With JICA’s steadfast support, the project embodies sustainability, innovation, and connectivity, paving the way for future infrastructure partnerships that align with India’s growth and development vision.
Source: JICA – Press Release | Images Credit: JICA
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