Revolutionizing Kolkata Metro's Blue Line: A Rs 585 Crore Enhancement

Kolkata Metro Railway has begun a Rs 585 crore project to upgrade the tunnel ventilation and environment control systems of the Blue Line. This will enhance passenger comfort and safety, preserve water and the environment, and significantly reduce electricity costs and carbon footprint.

A Rs 585 crore project aimed at upgrading Kolkata Metro Railway's Blue Line tunnel ventilation and environment control systems was launched on Wednesday. The project, initiated at the Noapara carshed, promises to improve comfort and safety for passengers on the line running from Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhas stations.

Metro Railway's general manager, Subhransu S Mishra, highlighted the project's focus on shifting from traditional 'water cool' to 'air cool' chillers. This change is expected to preserve water, saving 18 crore litres of groundwater annually, and contribute to environmental conservation.

Alongside these updates, the 41-year-old tunnel ventilation system is being modernized. The new systems will enhance fire safety, decrease the annual electricity bill by Rs 21 crore, and reduce the carbon footprint by 23,000 metric tonnes yearly. The upgrades, covering 15 underground stations, are projected for completion in four years.