Kolkata: Kolkata stands out as the only city in the entire country where metro trains pass underneath the river, delighting passengers with their journey. Now, after the Metro Rail, plans are underway to construct another tunnel beneath the river in Kolkata, through which trucks will pass, reducing the burden on the city’s traffic and easing congestion. Metro Rail has already started running under the Ganges.
Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port’s Tunnel Construction Plan
The Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port (SMP) Kolkata, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, has devised a plan to construct this tunnel. It is said that SMP Kolkata will undertake the construction of this tunnel to enhance the speed of trucks transporting goods from Kolkata Port. This tunnel construction will significantly improve traffic management in the metropolitan port area.
Cost of Tunnel Construction Estimated at 2000 Crore Rupees
According to sources, a 1.5 km long tunnel, spanning six lanes, will be constructed from Haldia in the Howrah district to Shalimar-B Garden, Kolkata, with a section of approximately 800 meters passing underneath the river. It is estimated that the construction of this tunnel will cost around 2000 crore rupees. Once completed, trucks departing from the port will directly reach the corner expressway, relieving traffic congestion on the Khidirpur and Vidyasagar Setu routes.
Truck Movement Contributes to Traffic Jams
The movement of a large number of trucks during the night often leads to traffic jams. With the construction of a tunnel beneath the Ganges, this problem is expected to be alleviated. Consequently, the speed of truck operations from the port will increase, resulting in better goods transportation management. Once the tunnel is constructed, trucks arriving at the port will not have to use the roads of the Kidderpore area.
Work on DPR Expected to be Completed in the Next Few Months
According to SMP Kolkata sources, work on preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the next few months. Upon completion of the DPR, global Expression of Interest (EOI) and tenders will be invited for project implementation. It is worth noting that the port management is placing special emphasis on attracting private investment for this project.
