"Don't politicize public projects": SC slams Bengal Govt over stalled Chingrighata Metro work

The Supreme Court on Monday sharply reprimanded the West Bengal government over delays in the Chingrighata Metro project and declined to interfere with the Calcutta High Court’s order directing completion of the pending work. A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant told the state to withdraw its petition challenging the High Court’s directive, warning that the plea would otherwise be dismissed outright. During the hearing, the court criticised the state’s stance on the project, observing that the government appeared to be neglecting its constitutional responsibilities. The bench remarked that public development projects should not be stalled due to political considerations and emphasised that the work must proceed in accordance with the High Court’s order and timeline.

The dispute revolves around the extension of the metro’s Orange Line from New Garia to Kolkata Airport, where construction has been stalled over a small 316-square-metre stretch at the Chingrighata crossing. Metro authorities have alleged that the project has been delayed due to the state government’s failure to grant the necessary no-objection certificate for temporary traffic control on the EM Bypass, which is required to complete the remaining work.

Despite multiple meetings involving the metro authorities, the state government and the construction company, the deadlock has continued. The construction company has stated that the remaining work could be completed within nine months if temporary traffic restrictions are allowed. The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction over repeated reasons cited for the delay, including festivals, examinations and elections, and reiterated that the project must proceed as directed by the High Court.