Kolkata Metro Faces Delays Due To Traffic Bottlenecks; Orange Line Expansion Crucial For Airport Connectivity

Kolkata Metro’s much-anticipated Orange Line, intended to enhance connectivity between the southern part of the city and the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, is facing delays due to traffic bottlenecks at Chingrighata along EM Bypass, reported PTI.

The stretch, extending from Ruby Crossing (Hemanta Mukhopadhyay) to Biman Bandar (Airport), is crucial for linking New Garia with the airport.

However, delays in obtaining traffic diversion permissions have hampered construction, particularly segment launching work at Chingrighata Crossing.

A senior Metro Railway official cited prolonged bureaucratic hurdles as a key reason for the slowdown.

"After addressing all observations from the traffic department regarding groundwork in this stretch, RVNL requested permission for night-time traffic diversion from 3-12 February. However, the traffic department did not grant approval at the time," he said to PTI.

To facilitate the work, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) constructed a diversion route through Captain Bheri and Dhapa Lock Pumping Station (DLPS) to Chingrighata in consultation with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and traffic authorities. Yet, despite these measures, essential approvals remain pending.

"RVNL officials met the police commissioner on 11 February, who assured them that permission would be granted within two days. They also approached the joint commissioner of police (Traffic) on 12 February, requesting a no-objection certificate (NOC) for segment launching work. But the NOC has not been granted," the official added.

With work stalled at Pier Nos. 317, 318, and 319, Metro Railway general manager P Uday Kumar Reddy and West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose conducted an on-site inspection on 16 February. A meeting was also held with senior RVNL officials to expedite the necessary approvals.

"This work is crucial for completing the 366-metre viaduct on this stretch. To ensure smooth traffic flow and commuter safety during the work, RVNL has already committed to taking necessary precautions. However, unnecessary delays are hampering the progress of the Orange Line project," the official emphasised.

A Kolkata Traffic Police official acknowledged the concerns but insisted that a balanced approach is necessary. "We want the Metro project to be completed in a time-bound manner, but we also have to ensure that vehicular traffic is not severely disrupted," he stated.

The delays in approvals are also affecting the much-needed Salt Lake and Rajarhat-New Town metro connectivity up to Jai Hind Bimanbandar (airport) station from Kavi Subhash station via EM Bypass.