Chingrighata metro track-linking work to begin from May 15 after BJP’s massive victory

A major breakthrough has emerged in Kolkata’s long-delayed metro expansion programme, with track-linking work at Chingrighata scheduled to begin from May 15. According to Metro Railway sources, a 366-metre track-linking operation will be carried out along the EM Bypass stretch at Chingrighata during two phases between May 15 and 18 and again from May 22 to 24. Traffic movement in the area will be regulated during the work period to facilitate construction activities.

The Chingrighata section had remained stalled for months due to multiple administrative and legal complications, including disagreements between the Centre and the state government and issues related to traffic regulation permissions. One of the primary obstacles involved obtaining approval for traffic control on the EM Bypass, one of Kolkata’s busiest traffic corridors, as Kolkata Police had earlier objected to restrictions on vehicle movement in the area.

According to sources, the situation changed following observations made by the High Court, after which fresh discussions were held between Metro authorities, the administration, and Kolkata Police. The police subsequently agreed to allow traffic regulation during specific weekends in May after the election process concluded. Metro officials now maintain that there are no major hurdles remaining for the completion of the pending work in the Chingrighata stretch.

Once the section is completed, the Orange Line metro corridor connecting New Garia and the Airport is expected to move significantly closer to completion. Authorities believe the corridor will improve connectivity across large parts of Kolkata and reduce travel time for commuters. Work is also expected to accelerate on other major metro projects, including the Purple Line between Joka and Esplanade and the Yellow Line connecting Noapara and Barasat.

The Purple Line project had earlier faced delays due to land-related disputes and objections from traders in the B.C. Roy Market area near Esplanade, while the Yellow Line project is currently progressing up to Michaelnagar with plans for an underground extension to Barasat. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had previously stated that lack of coordination between the Centre and the state government had slowed several metro projects in Kolkata. Officials now expect faster progress on pending infrastructure projects following the latest administrative clearances.