The 14-kilometer Purple Line metro project in Kolkatta is expected to be completed by late 2028 or early 2029. The arrival of tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) is expected in December, with operations beginning by March 2025. The project received a boost with the Ministry of Defence's approval to relocate BC Roy Market for Esplanade station construction. A temporary structure for traders is being built, and work is ongoing for the Esplanade station. Additionally, 100% of trees affected by the project will be transplanted. Meanwhile, a two-day trial will test shifting services from Dum Dum to Noapara on the Blue Line.
The completion of the entire 14-kilometer Purple Line of the metro in Kolkatta is expected by the end of 2028 or early 2029, according to a metro official. The tunnel-boring machines (TBMs), which are being manufactured by Germany's Herrenknecht and assembled in Chennai, are anticipated to start arriving in December. Metro Railway's Chief Public Relations Officer, Kausik Mitra, mentioned that these TBMs are expected to be operational by March 2025.
The project recently received a significant boost when the Ministry of Defence approved the relocation of the BC Roy Market. A large portion of the Esplanade station box, measuring 300 meters by 40 meters, is set to be constructed where the market currently stands. With the defense ministry's approval, the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has issued a tender worth INR 19 crore for the construction of a temporary structure at the Mounted Police grounds to relocate 528 traders. Work has also commenced for one corner of the Purple Line's Esplanade station on a section of land formerly used by the Mounted Police. Discussions are underway to relocate the L20 bus stand to Curzon Park, as per the plans, and construction on the underground Mominpur-Esplanade stretch is progressing rapidly.
In an update on the Esplanade bus stand, reports suggest that it will be shifted to Curzon Park, located next to the East-West Metro station, to make space for the Purple Line's Esplanade station. The relocation is expected within the next one or two months, following an inspection and approval from state agencies and RVNL.
Regarding environmental efforts, the Purple Line project stands out as the only one where 100% of the trees cut for construction will be transplanted. A survey identified 946 trees in the Maidan area that were at risk due to the construction. As of now, 112 trees have been successfully transplanted, and RVNL has planted five times that number. The agency has also sought permission from the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) to proceed with transplanting the remaining trees, in compliance with a directive from the Supreme Court related to a public interest litigation (PIL).
Meanwhile, a two-day trial will begin this week to shift services from Dum Dum to Noapara on the North-South Metro (Blue Line). During these trial days, the New Garia-Dakshineswar section will run 238 services instead of the usual 234. Metro officials confirmed that trains starting from Dum Dum will depart from Noapara on a trial basis, with the first and last trains from Noapara scheduled at 6:50 AM and 9:40 PM, respectively.
The Purple Line metro project is progressing with significant developments, including the expected arrival of tunnel-boring machines and approvals for crucial infrastructure changes. The relocation of the BC Roy Market and bus stands, along with environmental initiatives like tree transplantation, highlight the project's commitment to both urban development and sustainability. As construction moves forward, particularly for the Esplanade station, local communities are being considered with the construction of temporary structures for traders. Meanwhile, the trial shift of services to Noapara shows ongoing efforts to optimize the North-South Metro network, ensuring smoother operations during the construction phase.
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