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Doctor compares his first Metro ride in ’84 and today underwater

As the first train chugged out of Esplanade station at 7am today, the moment was historic and memorable in real terms for Dr Dipankar Bakhshi, who was witness to city Metro’s achievements for the second time.

Doctor compares his first Metro ride in ’84 and today underwater

PM Modi inaugurates India's first underwater metro line in Kolkata (photo:ANI)

As the first train chugged out of Esplanade station at 7am today, the moment was historic and memorable in real terms for Dr Dipankar Bakhshi, who was witness to city Metro’s achievements for the second time.

Dr Bakhshi, a resident of Salt Lake, was in college when he witnessed the commencement of the first Metro services in Kolkata in 1984. He turned up at the Esplanade station early morning today to relive his memories of the first Metro ride that he undertook in 1984 and to become a part of the carrier’s historic achievement of starting commercial services under a mighty river today.

Remembering his first ride during the first commercial run of the city Metro in the 80s, Dr Bakhshi said, “In those days, people were not much aware of what a Metro was. Many had gathered with great enthusiasm and curiosity wanting to know what it was all about. I had also reached the station on time to avail a ride from Esplanade to Bhawanipur. The event was a gala with many eminent personalities including writers, sportspersons, politicians and other VIPs. We enjoyed the ride with celebrations and the people on board were very excited. I was a bachelor then. Today, I brought my wife with me to witness the historic day.”

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The elderly citizen claimed to be a witness of the journey of Kolkata Metro Railway over the years. He is said to have enjoyed rides during the first commercial services of the Green Line earlier also. Talking about his experience this morning, he said, “Today, we all know what a Metro ride feels like. I enjoy rides as they are hassle-free and well maintained. Therefore, I have tried to become a part of the first commercial rides of the Green Line earlier also. Metro is always one of the choicest transports for me. Being a regular commuter of the Metro, I know that it will bring much relief to the citizens while commuting.”

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