kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata, May 7, 2026: Development for the city’s long-delayed transport infrastructure, construction work for the critical Cingrighata metro link is set to begin on May 15, marking a significant step forward in the expansion of Kolkata’s metro network. The project, which has been stalled for years due to administrative hurdles, land issues, and coordination gaps between the Centre and the state, is now expected to move ahead following improved political alignment and renewed institutional cooperation.

The upcoming work involves connecting a 366-metre stretch of metro alignment, a key missing link in the Orange Line corridor. Officials have confirmed that traffic regulation permissions have now been granted by Kolkata Police, enabling construction activities to proceed in phases. The work will be carried out during controlled traffic shutdowns scheduled between May 15–18 and May 22–24, aimed at minimizing disruption on the busy Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, one of Kolkata’s most congested arterial roads.

The project had remained stuck for a prolonged period due to legal disputes and logistical challenges, including pending court cases and difficulties in obtaining traffic diversion approvals. Authorities acknowledged that managing traffic on the EM Bypass had been a major concern due to its year-round heavy vehicle flow. However, after recent judicial observations and renewed coordination between agencies, permission for traffic control measures has finally been granted.

Railway officials have expressed optimism that the resolution of this bottleneck will significantly accelerate the completion of the Orange Line and bring the long-pending New Garia–Airport metro corridor closer to full connectivity. They also indicated that several other stalled metro and rail infrastructure projects across the city are now under review for expedited execution.

Improved coordination between the Centre and state administration is expected to play a crucial role in speeding up infrastructure development. Earlier, lack of synchronization between agencies had been cited as one of the primary reasons for delays in Kolkata’s metro expansion.

Apart from the Orange Line, attention is also turning to other key metro corridors. The Purple Line project from Joka to Esplanade, which currently operates between Joka and Mominpur, is expected to gain momentum once land-related issues near Esplanade are resolved. The presence of encroachments and resistance from local stakeholders, particularly around the B.C. Roy Market area, had previously slowed down construction in the central zone. Once cleared, the line is expected to provide a major boost to connectivity in the Behala region.

The Yellow Line project connecting Noapara to Barasat is also under renewed focus. Work up to Michael Nagar is progressing, while proposals for underground extension up to Barasat are being reviewed. Several other metro expansion plans that had stalled due to financial and administrative constraints are now expected to be revived in phases.

Officials associated with the metro rail development authority have stated that the upcoming phase of work at Cingrighata could serve as a turning point for Kolkata’s urban transit expansion, enabling faster execution of long-delayed projects and improving connectivity across the metropolitan region.