When was the first metro train launched in India?

On October 24, 1984, India’s first metro train opened in Kolkata, and India began its modern urban transportation journey. Since then, the Kolkata Metro has become India’s first operational rapid transit system.

historical background

Kolkata’s metro concept dates back to the 1920s, but serious construction work did not begin until the 1970s. The foundation stone was laid by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on December 29, 1972, marking the beginning of an era of radical change in urban transportation. The project was not without its problems; lack of funding and logistics often hampered its construction, but it continued to be active until the metro became operational.

Start-up and initial operations

The first section of the Kolkata Metro is from Esplanade to Bhowanipur, now Netaji Bhawan, with a total length of about 3.4 kilometers. This is India’s first urban transport metro service, providing a new mode of transportation in the densely populated areas of Kolkata. Subways are designed to reduce traffic congestion and provide daily commuters with a reliable mode of transportation.

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The initial operation was small, with only five stations serving the section. However, the public response was very positive and expansion was rapid in the following years. Within weeks of launch, more services were rolled out and rolled out into the city.

expansion and development

Since its inception, the Kolkata Metro has undergone tremendous expansion. It has grown from an initial 3.4 kilometers to nearly 60 kilometers today and incorporates multiple lines and stations. It has India’s first underwater metro line beneath the Hooghly river, connecting Howrah to Kolkata.

The metro system has become an integral part of Kolkata’s urban landscape, facilitating millions of journeys every day. It is currently the second busiest metro network in India after the Delhi Metro and continues to grow through ongoing projects aimed at enhancing connectivity across the city.

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The opening of the Kolkata Metro in 1984 was not only a major event in the history of transportation in India; It represents India’s broader shift towards modern urban infrastructure. Cities across the country are grappling with growing population density and traffic congestion, and metro systems like Kolkata play a vital role in sustainable urban transportation. The success of this project has paved the way for similar initiatives in other major cities, marking a new era of public transportation in India.

As we look back on this journey forty years later, it is clear that the vision behind India’s first metro train set the framework for the future development of urban transportation systems across the country.

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