A striking Durga Puja pandal at Jagat Mukherjee Park in Kolkata has gone viral for its stunning recreation of the city’s underwater metro system, which was inaugurated earlier this year. This innovative installation celebrates 40 years of the Kolkata Metro Rail and specifically highlights the newly launched Green Line underwater metro.
The pandal features a meticulously designed replica of a Green Line metro coach, complete with sliding doors, escalators, and realistic interior elements that mimic an actual metro station. It also addresses environmental themes, particularly the pollution affecting the Ganga River, with the Durga idol depicted as Goddess Ganga riding a crocodile. Dwaipayan Roy, one of the chief organizers, explained that the aim was to provide visitors with an immersive experience akin to being inside a metro coach.
Artist Subal Pal noted that creating this pandal involved extensive research and numerous trips on the metro to authentically capture the under-river experience. The team also sought guidance from Metro Rail authorities to enhance their design. The pandal includes motorized features that simulate a moving train, allowing visitors to feel as though they are actually traveling through the underwater tunnel.
The video showcasing this creative marvel was shared on social media and has garnered significant attention, amassing over 1.1 million views since its release on October 7. While many praised the artistic ingenuity displayed in the pandal, some raised concerns about potential overcrowding during peak visiting times.
