The Government of India, the Government of West Bengal, Indian Railways, and Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited are all congratulated by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on the Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s opening of the last 2.45 km of the Kolkata East-West Metro corridor between Esplanade and Sealdah. The 16.55-kilometer metro line, which runs from Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V, is now completely operational after reaching this important milestone.

An important advancement in India’s sustainable urban transportation system is the Kolkata East-West Metro, a game-changing infrastructural project. Built beneath the Hooghly River, it is the nation’s first metro line with an underwater tube. Additionally, the corridor links Howrah and Sealdah, two of India’s busiest and most significant train stations, giving millions of commuters in Kolkata and throughout India smooth, multimodal connectivity.

With four ODA loan tranches totaling 64,833 million JPY—the first signed in March 2008, the second in March 2010, the third in September 2018, and the fourth in March 2021—JICA has demonstrated its dedication to assisting in the construction of this game-changing infrastructure.

It is anticipated that the Kolkata East-West Metro will greatly lessen reliance on the road, which will cut carbon emissions and traffic congestion. The project also shows how Japan is still supporting India’s infrastructure modernization, particularly with regard to creating low-carbon and robust transportation networks in expanding cities. Through high-quality infrastructure, technical assistance, and capacity building, JICA is steadfastly dedicated to advancing India’s long-term vision for equitable and sustainable development.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the Jessore Road Metro Station in the direction of the Jain Hind Biman Bunder and Noapara stations.

He also formally flagged off the Metro, indicating that the Sealdah-Beleghata and Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Stations from Jessore Road Metro Station would open formally.

He rode the metro from Jessore Road Metro Station with schoolchildren and shramjivees.

Transportation will indeed become easy now.

Priyanka Dutta