India’s first-ever underwater transport tunnel is in the making. The 16.55-km East-West corridor is the second line of the Kolkata Metro network. It is a significant project that aims to connect Kolkata’s eastern and western suburbs by linking Howrah station to Sealdah station, which is the hub of Kolkata’s suburban railway network. The Green Line, as it is called, will pass through 520 meters of the Hooghly riverbed. This essay will discuss the project, the technology involved, and the challenges faced during the construction.
About the Project: East-West Corridor
The East-West corridor of the Kolkata Metro network was approved in 2009. When completed, it will connect the IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V on Kolkata’s eastern flank to the western suburb of Howrah. The project consists of a 16.55 km-long stretch, including 520 meters under the Hooghly riverbed. The western portion of the East-West Corridor is underground, and there are 12 stations on the entire route, including the country’s deepest Howrah station, which is 33 meters deep.
Technology Involved in the Project and Challenges
The tunnels under the Hooghly river have an internal diameter of 5.55 meters and an external diameter of 6.1 meters. The center-to-center distance between the east- and west-bound tunnels is 16.1 meters. The inner walls are of high-quality M50-grade reinforced concrete segments with a thickness of 275 mm each. Six of these segments will complete a circular lining of the tunnel’s diameter. The segments are being pre-cast in specialized molds imported from Korea.
The underwater tunneling was a significant challenge for the project. The Hooghly riverbed has a layer of sandy silt under the organic clay. The construction had to be done without disturbing the riverbed, and the underwater tunnel had to be built in a way that would not harm the environment or the aquatic life.
Apart from the underwater tunneling, the project also faced a challenge in tunneling through areas with historic buildings like Dalhousie. The construction had to be carried out without causing any damage to these structures.
The Benefits of the Project
The East-West Corridor of the Kolkata Metro network is expected to bring many benefits to the city of Kolkata. The new line will reduce travel time between the IT hub of Salt Lake Sector V and the western suburb of Howrah. This will not only make travel easier for commuters 36230.but also help to reduce traffic congestion on the roads.
Furthermore, the East-West Corridor will help to connect Kolkata’s suburban railway network and provide a more integrated transportation system for the city. It is also expected to boost the city’s economy by increasing connectivity and accessibility.
Why In News
Trial runs are currently being conducted on India’s first underwater transport tunnel, marking a significant milestone in the East-West Corridor project of the Kolkata Metro network. This engineering marvel is a testament to the skill and expertise of the project team and is expected to provide many benefits to the city of Kolkata.
MCQs about India’s First Underwater Transport Tunnel
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What is the East-West corridor of the Kolkata Metro network?
A. The first line of the Kolkata Metro network.
B. A highway connecting two suburbs of Kolkata.
C. The second line of the Kolkata Metro network.
D. A new airport being built in Kolkata.
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What is the main technology used in the construction of the underwater tunnel in the East-West corridor project?
A. Reinforced concrete segments.
B. Steel beams.
C. Wooden planks.
D. Brick walls.
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What challenges were faced during the construction of the East-West corridor?
A. Tunneling in areas with historic buildings and the presence of sandy silt in the riverbed.
B. Lack of funding and shortage of skilled workers.
C. Limited availability of construction materials.
D. Opposition from local residents.
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What benefits is the East-West corridor of the Kolkata Metro network expected to bring to the city of Kolkata?
A. Reduced traffic congestion and improved transportation connectivity.
B. Increased pollution and longer travel times.
C. Higher costs of transportation for commuters.
D. Lower economic growth and reduced accessibility.
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