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๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ India /Energy & Infrastructure

Kolkata Metro to get 60 new trains in five years; Water Metro also planned

From Hindustan Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • Kolkata Metro will receive 60 new-generation trains over the next four to five years, announced Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
  • These trains are part of a broader modernization plan to enhance urban mobility in Kolkata.
  • West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also announced plans for Kolkata to connect via a Water Metro system and significant maritime infrastructure projects.

Kolkata's urban transport network is set for a significant upgrade with the announcement that the metro system will induct 60 new-generation trains within the next four to five years. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made the declaration while traveling on the Kolkata Metro on Saturday, emphasizing the plan's role in modernizing the city's infrastructure.

We are planning about 60 new generation trains for Kolkata Metro in the coming 4-5 years. These trains will be inducted, and Kolkata Metro Rail will get a totally new generation of trains.

โ€” Ashwini VaishnawAnnouncing the procurement of new trains for Kolkata Metro.

"We are planning about 60 new generation trains for Kolkata Metro in the coming 4-5 years. These trains will be inducted, and Kolkata Metro Rail will get a totally new generation of trains," Vaishnaw stated. He added that these new trains are integral to a larger strategy aimed at improving urban mobility and enhancing the overall commuting experience for residents.

To improve mobility in Kolkata city, a lot of efforts have been made. As the projects advance, mobility in Kolkata city will advance too.

โ€” Ashwini VaishnawHighlighting the government's commitment to enhancing urban mobility.

Beyond the metro expansion, Kolkata is also poised to benefit from a Water Metro system, becoming the 18th city in India to adopt such a transport network. This initiative was announced by West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The state government has committed to actively participating in the Centre's Sagarmala 2 program, preparing project proposals worth โ‚น22,700 crore over the next five years.

Kolkata will be connected through a Water Metro system, making it the 18th city in India to adopt this mode of transport.

โ€” Suvendu AdhikariAnnouncing the introduction of a Water Metro system in Kolkata.

These maritime and infrastructure expansion plans under Sagarmala 2 will focus on critical areas such as coastal development, fishing infrastructure, and island development. Adhikari highlighted that the previous government's lack of active participation in Sagarmala 1 led to missed opportunities, but the state is now fully committed to the Sagarmala 2 program, which was recently approved by the Prime Minister.

However, yesterday, the PM approved the Sagarmala 2 programme, and we have decided to join the scheme. We are preparing project proposals worth โ‚น22,700 crore for implementation over the next five years.

โ€” Suvendu AdhikariDetailing the state's commitment and financial proposals for the Sagarmala 2 program.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hindustan Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.