Bowbazar tunnel link finally completed after 5 years; Full services of EW metro soon

The completion of the western tunnel of the East-West Metro at Bowbazar marks a significant step forward in the ambitious project that aims to connect key parts of Kolkata. After five years of delays caused by technical and environmental challenges, engineers from ITD Cementation, a joint venture managing the project, successfully bridged the last six-meter gap between the two tunnel openings. This final connection was completed after extensive efforts to resolve the difficulties encountered during construction.

The western tunnel faced a series of setbacks, starting with a major landslide on August 31, 2019, which caused severe damage to the area around Bowbazar, including Durga Pituri Lane, Sakerapara Lane, and Gour De Lane. The landslide resulted in the flooding of the tunnel with underground water, halting construction for an extended period. To mitigate the damage, engineers focused on stabilizing the tunnel by injecting concrete to seal the affected areas and prevent further water ingress. The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) used for digging the tunnel was also severely damaged during the incident, requiring its extraction and repair.

Over the course of the following years, construction was carefully resumed, with engineers working to clear the concrete blockage and repair the tunnel. Special attention was given to managing the underground water levels, which presented an ongoing challenge throughout the construction process. The work also involved reinforcing the tunnel structure and laying the track bed inside the tunnel, a process that required precision and a high degree of caution. The completion of these tasks allowed for the final connection between the two ends of the tunnel.

The completion of the western tunnel is essential for the full operation of the East-West Metro, which spans 16.6 kilometers and will connect key locations from Howrah Maidan to Sector V. The section between Sealdah and Esplanade, spanning 2.4 kilometers, has already been completed, but the link between the east and west tunnels was a critical missing piece. Without both tunnels being operational, services connecting Sealdah to Howrah Maidan could not have been extended. The completion of the tunnel ensures that the metro line will provide continuous service across the city’s major transit points.

With the western tunnel now fully operational, Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Limited (KMRCL) officials have confirmed that the project is on track for its next stages. The completed Bowbazar tunnel now forms a key part of the East-West Metro network, which is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion in the city and improve the overall public transport system. Future work will focus on extending the metro line towards Sector V and further enhancing connectivity in Kolkata.