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Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) has completed essential groundwork for the underground tunnels of the Orange Line Metro along VIP Road, extending over 72m. As the project moves into a critical phase near the airport, the agency has requested changes to the existing traffic block to allow for smoother traffic movement. A five-day traffic trial is expected soon, aiming to assess the impact of the adjustments. The final leg of the project, which involves a mix of elevated and underground sections, is being carried out in phases to avoid disruptions to VIP Road, a vital link between the city and the airport.
Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) has finished the initial phase of work for the underground tunnels of the Orange Line Metro along the median of VIP Road, covering a length of 72m. With the project now entering a pivotal stage, where the tunnel curves towards the airport, the implementing agency has requested a modification of the current traffic block. This modification comes after the creation of a new stretch of road on the Kolkata-bound side of the road, ensuring smooth movement of traffic towards the city. A five-day traffic trial is expected to take place in the near future, following which the Bidhannagar traffic police will hand over the site for the next phase of the metro construction. Advertisement
RVNL, which is overseeing the New Garia-Airport (Orange) Line, has divided the final phase of the project into three parts to minimise disruptions to traffic on VIP Road, a key link between the city and the airport. The predominantly elevated 29m Metro corridor will transition underground in this final stretch. Contractors Afcons have been entrusted with the construction of a 300m ramp and 500m of twin tunnels using the cut-and-cover method.
In April, work commenced on the first phase, which involved the construction of the diaphragm wall (D-wall) and top slab, about 700m from the airport. RVNL cordoned off a 80m x 12m section of VIP Road after establishing a 100m x 12m road space on the Kolkata-bound side of the road, situated on AAI land.
Now that the first phase is complete, RVNL has applied to the Bidhannagar traffic department for a revision of the traffic block, allowing the base of the underground tunnel to curve eastwards. Before the revised traffic block is granted, which will involve a small portion of the Kolkata-bound road and the newly constructed stretch, the agency has set up a compensatory road space (70m x 12m) on the AAI land. Senior officials from the Bidhannagar traffic department and the state PWD recently inspected the new road and the surrounding area.
The upcoming traffic trials are intended to assess the flow of vehicles as they are directed toward a mandatory left turn along a 20m wide stretch of road. After a few metres, the road narrows to 12m, as the earlier road space will also be included in the barricading. A senior state official explained that the trials aim to identify potential bottlenecks and observe traffic behaviour in the modified setup. As the road approaches Kaikhali, it will widen to meet the original Kolkata-bound VIP Road. Meanwhile, RVNL will begin pile digging for the ongoing ramp construction, beyond pier 846, where the viaduct is expected to end. To facilitate this, the barricades are being extended towards Kaikhali, and the traffic signal post will be moved a few metres towards the airport to accommodate U-turning vehicles.
The completion of basic work for the underground tunnels on the Orange Line Metro, part of the New Garia-Airport line, marks a significant milestone in the project. RVNL's careful planning to minimise traffic disruption on VIP Road, along with the upcoming traffic trials, demonstrates a commitment to smooth traffic management while progressing with essential metro infrastructure. The phased approach ensures that critical roadways remain open and traffic flow is not severely impacted. As the project moves forward, the cooperation between RVNL, local authorities, and the public will be crucial in maintaining safety and efficiency during construction.
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