Kolkata, Mar 6 (Reporter) SAITO Mitsunori, Chief Representative of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), India, on Wednesday expressed his elation at the accomplishment of the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Section of Kolkata East-West Metro project. "JICA is thrilled and honoured to witness the inauguration of the Howrah Maidan to Esplanade section of the Kolkata East-West Metro by the esteemed Prime Minister of India," Mitsunori said. "Also, I’m privileged that JICA could contribute to the Kolkata dream project, which have been a fervent desire of its citizens. This milestone marks a significant step forward in our collaborative efforts to enhance urban transportation infrastructure in Kolkata," he added. "We intend to continue our collaboration and coordination with all stakeholders to the best of our ability until full line is operational. We extend our warmest congratulations to all involved stakeholders and remain committed to furthering our partnership with India," Mitsunori stated. "We extend our heartfelt congratulation to all the stakeholders involved in the realization of this landmark project. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, JICA reaffirms its commitment to advancing sustainable development goals and contributing to the prosperity of the communities across India. JICA looks forward to witnessing the positive impact of the Kolkata East-West Metro on the lives of the people in Kolkata and beyond." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday inaugurated Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – funded, Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Section of Kolkata East-West Metro, marking a milestone in the continued partnership between India and Japan in urban infrastructure development. The Kolkata East-West Metro project, aimed at enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable transportation solutions in the vibrant city of Kolkata, exemplifies JICA’s commitment to supporting India’s efforts to build resilient and efficient transportation network, a media statement here said. The 16.55-km-long metro corridor extends from Howrah Maidan, a prominent location in the western part of the city to Salt Lake Sector V, a major IT and residential hub in the eastern part of Kolkata through Esplanade. Out of 16.55 km long corridor, 9.3 km long section from Sealdah to Salt Lake Sector V is already operational. The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade section of the Kolkata East-West Metro, which has been inaugurated today, is 4.80 km long and features the India’s first under-river tunnel situated beneath the Hooghly river. This is a long-waited tunnel for the citizens of Kolkata, and it is expected that the flow of people crossing the river will significantly improve in the future. Moreover, this remarkable engineering achievement represents a significant milestone in enhancing intra-city connectivity and easing traffic congestion in the bustling metropolis. Through the project, the climate change mitigation benefits (estimated GHG emission reductions) of the are also expected to be approximately 42,000 tons/year in terms of CO2 (as of 2027). With a vision to create seamless connectivity and facilitate socio-economic development, JICA remains dedicated to partnering with India on transformative projects that align with the country’s development priorities. The successful completion and inauguration of the Kolkata East-West Metro section serve as a testament to the fruitful partnership between Japan and India, reflecting our shared dedication to building a brighter future for all. JICA's commitment to facilitating the construction of this transformative infrastructure is evident through the provision of four tranches of the ODA loan amounting to 64,833 million JPY (approximately 3,602 Cr INR), with the first tranche signed in March 2008, the second in March 2010, the third in September 2018, and the fourth in March 2021...////...