‘An Ingredient for Development’
Public Transport Systems are one
of the basic ingredients for Economic and Industrial Development of a country.
A good transport system for men and materials fuels rapid growth in all
spheres of life.
Keeping in view, the idea of quick
mobilisation of large number of men, the Mass Transit Project (MTP) for
the Capital of West Bengal, the gate way of Eastern India, was initiated
in the year 1969. This paved the way for Metro Era in India.
In the Urban Transport field in
the country, the construction of Calcutta Metro Railway was one of the
great engineering events in regard to plan, design and excellency. The
system has been built without paralysing the city life and that too with
Indian talents and resources.
After initial hurdles, this spectacular
system, the pride of India commenced its first commercial service for a
small stretch of 3.4 km. between Esplanade and Bhowanipur (now renamed
as Netaji Bhawan) on 24th October 1984. On 27th September, 1995 the whole
stretch between DUM DUM and TOLLYGUNGE OF 16.45 km. came into operation
and the dream became a reality. A new horizon for safe, quick, pollution
free and comfortable transportation of men from all walks of life was opened.
This has given on impetus to all-out growth in related areas of the city.
The successful completion of the project generated confidence to build
Rapid Transit System in other parts of the country.
The usefulness of the system is
well reflected through the ridership figures.
Extension of the present network
from Tollygunge to Garia a stretch of 8.45 km. with 7 stations has already
been sanctioned this year at an estimated cost of Rs. 696 crores. The Government
of West Bengal is participating in this Project on cost sharing basis which
is a landmark in the history of Railway Projects in this State. The construction
work will commence by January, 2000 and is expected to be completed by
the year 2005. On completion, this extended route will serve the people
of South 24 Parganas with a modern transport system connecting the Central
Business District area by providing an interface with suburban rail network
of the area.
To extend the benefit of this fast,
eco-friendly modern transport system the preliminary Engineering-cum-Feasibility
Survey from Dum Dum to Barrackpur (16 km) has been entrusted with the RITES.
The Draft Survey Report is expected shortly.
With a view to ease the congestion
at Sealdah Station and to facilitate the Commuters from the northern suburbs
of Calcutta, electrification work of DUM DUM - TALA (5 km) Section on Circular
Railway has commenced (on 14.9.99) with an estimated cost of 66 lakhs.
The work is expected to be completed by JUNE, 2000 and on completion this
will facilitate suburban passengers' switch over from Suburban trains to
Metro trains and vice-versa at Dum Dum.
| In 1st year of operation 1984-85
14.66 lakh passenger travelled over Metro Railway |
| In 11th year of operation 1994-95
194.86 lakh passenger travelled over Metro Railway |
| In 12th year of operation 1995-96
432.76 lakh passenger travelled over Metro Railway |
| In 13th year of operation 1996-97
625.86 lakh passenger travelled over Metro Railway |
| In 14th year of operation 1997-98
691.35 lakh passenger travelled over Metro Railway |
|
The construction of Circular Railway
from Princep Ghat to Majherhat, a stretch of 5.80 km. with 4 stations at
an estimated cost of Rs. 81 crores, has been entrusted to Metro Railway
Calcutta. On completion this will complete the Circular Railway and will
enable commuters from North Section of Sealdah to find direct access to
the South Suburban section of Sealdah through Central Business District
area of Calcutta. Doubling and Electrification of the Circular Railway
is also under Survey by M/s RITES.
To ensure better safety, the work
on Continuous Automatic Train Control (CATC) for the whole stretch of Metro
Railway is in advanced stage of commissioning and is expected to be completed
by this financial year (1999-2000).
The Metro Railway, Calcutta with
all the above ongoing works/Projects marches ahead to the new millennium
and is poised for growth as well as to serve as a catalyst for Industrial,
Economical and Commercial revival of this region in particular and for
the country as a whole. |