Kolkata Metro: Rail Vikash Nigam Limited To Accelerate Joka-Esplanade First Phase Construction

The executing agency for most of the metro projects in Kolkata, Rail Vikash Nigam Limited (RVNL) wants to hasten up the process of completion of the first phase of the Joka-Esplanade Metro to compensate for the delay caused by the Majerhat Bridge collapse.

The construction came to a halt when the Majerhat bridge which runs parallel to the elevated Majerhat metro station collapsed on 4 September. Since then, blame-game is on with the state which is hinting that Metro construction vibrations was the reason behind the collapse.

RVNL wants to go for the final tender of the Joka Depot with 83 per cent of land being secured. However, the Railways Board has announced that the tender process cannot be initiated unless 75 per cent is taken under physical possession. Reacting to the situation an official said, “The depot is crucial for running of Metro from Joka to Majerhat by 2021” as reported by Times Of India.

RVNL also wants the removal of hawkers at the metro station of Behala Bazar and Behala Chowrasta where the hawkers have encroached upon station site and have access to the stations. “The delay because of these small hindrances causes long-term effects. The delay also affects allocation and further go-ahead signal to embark on the second phase of the project,” said another officer.