Book excerpt: In an era defined by rapid urbanization and the pressing need for efficient, sustainable transportation solutions, the emergence of metro rail systems stands as a testament to human ingenuity and innovation. As cities continue to expand and populations grow, the need for efficient, sustainable, and reliable modes of transportation becomes ever more pressing. Metro rail systems have emerged as a solution to the challenges posed by congestion, pollution, and limited urban space. These systems represent the culmination of decades of engineering prowess, incorporating cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking design principles. The engineering marvel that is the metro rail system addresses these challenges head-on, revolutionizing urban mobility and reshaping the urban landscape. At the behest of the students, I tried to design this book primarily to provide clear-cut, contemporary, and stimulating text with a lot of sketches and photos of Kolkata Metro construction in a convenient form for the final-year Civil Engineering students. An attempt has been made to provide a quite modern and up-to-date coverage of the art of civil engineering which is changing by the day. This book has been divided into Five Modules, namely ‘Overview of Metro Systems’, ’Civil Engineering’,’ Mechanical and HVAC’, ‘Brief on Electronics & Communication Engineering’ and ‘Brief on Electrical Engineering’ covering 17 Chapters with questions and answers at the end of each Module in line with AICTE/ MAKAUT syllabi. Richly illustrated with diagrams, photographs, and architectural renderings, "Urban Arteries" offers a visual feast for readers interested in the intersection of engineering and urban development. I have sourced various details, specifications, and data made publicly available by Indian Metro Rail, and Kolkata Metro Rail on the web. This book is crafted to be a guiding light for aspiring civil engineering students who seek to unravel the complexities of metro railway systems. It serves as a comprehensive exploration of the principles, methodologies, and multidisciplinary facets that converge to create these marvels of modern engineering. By reorganizing and expanding upon the provided content, the book offers a comprehensive guide to metro systems and engineering, covering various aspects including planning, civil engineering, electronics, mechanical systems, and electrical systems. The content aims to provide readers with a thorough understanding of the complexities involved in designing, constructing, and operating modern metro systems in urban environments