PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2023
Answer
1984
Explanation
The Kolkata Metro is the first planned and operational rapid transit system in India. It commenced its commercial operations on October 24, 1984. The initial run covered a short distance of 3.4 kilometers from Esplanade to Bhowanipore (now Netaji Bhavan). It paved the way for modern urban transit in India.
Key Points
- > Launched on October 24, 1984.
- > First rapid transit system (subway) in India.
- > First stretch: Esplanade to Bhowanipore (3.4 km).
- > Delhi Metro, the second in India, started in 2002.
- > Kolkata also boasts India's first underwater metro tunnel (under the Hooghly River).
- > Kolkata Metro is considered an independent zone of Indian Railways.
- > India's first passenger train ran in 1853 (Bombay to Thane).
Additional Information
Firsts in Indian Transport
| Transport Mode | Route/City | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger Train | Bombay to Thane | 1853 |
| Electric Train | Bombay to Kurla | 1925 |
| Metro Rail | Kolkata | 1984 |
| Underwater Metro | Kolkata (Hooghly River) | 2024 |
Memory Tips
- Tie the year 1984 to George Orwell's famous book. While the world read '1984', Kolkata went underground with its first Metro.