Phase 1 of India’s first ever underwater metro called ‘East-West Metro’ was recently rolled out in Kolkata. But, due to the coronavirus epidemic, plans of the next phase might take a backseat for now. By Amitha Ameen
Chinese manufacturer CRRC Dalian have been asked to look at alternatives to get the Kolkata Metro Railway tested. Initially, a team of Chinese engineers were supposed to conduct Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) tests of the first rake that arrived in March last year. Authorities at the Railway Ministry had placed an order for 14 rakes from the city of Dalian in China. But with cases of coronavirus in the city increasing, the whole situation has become uncertain.
The 16.6-kilometre-long underground metro will run through the city of Kolkata—with a part of it laid beneath the River Hooghly, and will connect Salt Lake and Howrah. Earlier, the first phase of the metro was flagged off by Railway Minister Piyush Goyal on February 13. While 10.8 kilometres of the railway track was meant to run underground, the remaining distance will be at an elevation of 5.8 kilometres.
On the virus front, India confirmed 22 more positive cases until now. The virus has already spread to more than 70 countries, killing over 3,000 and infecting more than 90,000 people.
The best way to keep oneself safe is by regularly washing their hands and wearing masks in crowded places. Experts say that the virus can only thrive in cold weather conditions and urge people to avoid being seated for long hours in air conditioned rooms.
World Health Organization (WHO) has released an entire Q&A to address concerns around COVID-19. Read it here.
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