Sealdah-Esplanade metro to open by February: Bowbazar tunnel reinforced with 108 m of steel rings for safety

The East-West Metro corridor in Kolkata, an ambitious project connecting Sealdah to Howrah via Esplanade, is on track for completion by February 2024, according to Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRCL). The project, which has faced repeated setbacks due to structural challenges in Bowbazar, is in its final stages, with additional safety measures being implemented to prevent future incidents. The Bowbazar stretch, notorious for issues such as water seepage and ground collapse, is receiving special reinforcements through the installation of steel rings, marking a critical step to ensure tunnel stability and passenger safety.

The KMRCL is installing these steel rings along a 108-meter stretch in one tunnel and a 92-meter stretch in the parallel tunnel under Bowbazar. The rings create a secondary layer inside the main concrete tunnel, which helps prevent water intrusion—a significant issue that previously caused ground subsidence and structural damage in buildings above. Engineers involved in the project stated that the rings are expected to reinforce the tunnel walls, thereby minimizing risks associated with tunnel excavation and water seepage. Rupak Sarkar, an official from ITD, the engineering firm managing this section, commented, “We faced some challenges with the Bowbazar tunnel. All issues have been resolved, and we have completed both tunnels. No further problems were found, but as a precaution, we are adding steel rings made of plates. These provide additional protection, ensuring passenger safety.”

This development is part of a series of engineering solutions implemented by KMRCL following multiple incidents at Bowbazar. Past accidents had caused structural cracks in residential buildings above, leading to the displacement of several families and sparking public concerns about safety. To mitigate these risks, KMRCL has reinforced the Bowbazar stretch with these steel rings, which are designed to both stabilize the tunnels and reduce the likelihood of ground subsidence.

The Sealdah-Esplanade link is expected to provide a high-speed transit route through central Kolkata, allowing commuters to travel quickly between key locations including Howrah, Esplanade, and Sealdah. The Sealdah-Howrah route will drastically reduce travel time for daily commuters, connecting Howrah to Sealdah in just minutes. This connectivity marks a significant milestone for the East-West Metro project, which is anticipated to handle a substantial volume of passenger traffic upon its full completion.

The operational Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section has already received positive feedback, and the East-West Metro line, once fully functional, is projected to alleviate congestion in Kolkata’s central areas. This metro line is a part of Kolkata’s broader urban infrastructure goals to enhance public transport efficiency and ease traffic pressure on city roads. Upon completion, the East-West Metro corridor is expected to improve Kolkata’s public transportation system significantly.