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20 km of Kolkata Metro rail project delayed due to land acquisition related issues, says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Kolkata metro delay, Kolkata Metro project latest news: In recent years, the construction of the Kolkata Metro rail project has expanded rapidly. It is the country’s first metro rail project, with construction beginning in 1973–74.

Kolkata Metro will run extra and late-night Blue and Green Line services on Christmas Day to handle festive crowds heading to Park Street and central Kolkata.Kolkata Metro will run extra and late-night Blue and Green Line services on Christmas Day to handle festive crowds heading to Park Street and central Kolkata. (Image: Kolkata Metro)

Kolkata Metro project, Kolkata Metro project latest news: In recent years, the construction of the Kolkata Metro rail project has expanded rapidly. It is the country’s first metro rail project, with construction beginning in 1973–74. However, due to issues such as inadequate funding and irregular supply of essential materials, the first metro train could begin operations only on October 24, 1984.

Kolkata Metro project latest status

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha on December 3, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that 45 km of new routes have been commissioned in the past 11 years (2014–2025), compared to just 28 km in the 42-year period from 1972 to 2014.

Why Kolkata Metro projects have been delayed?

Vaishnaw further stated that of the total 52 km across the four metro corridors, 20 km is stalled due to land acquisition issues related to the State Government.

“Presently, four metro corridors of total 52 km are under construction in and around Kolkata out of which 20 Km is held up due to land acquisition and utility shifting issues pertaining to State Government,” the minister added.

 

Kolkata Metro rail project: Latest update

Joka – Esplanade
Total Length: 14 km
Work Completed
7.74 km
Balance Length
6.26 km
Status
Progress of work was affected due to slow land acquisition and utility diversion issues by state agencies.
New Garia-Dum Dum Airport 32
Total Length: 32 km
Work Completed
9.8 km
Balance Length
22.2 km
Status
Work progress is slow due to delay in traffic diversion permission from state authorities.
Noapara – Barasat
Total Length: 18 km
Work Completed
6.77 km
Balance Length
11.36 km
Status
Work from Jai Hind Airport to Michael Nagar is in progress. Work from New Barrackpore to Barasat is held up due to land acquisition and encroachment issues by state authorities.
Baranagar-Barrackpore
Total Length: 7.5 km
Status
Work is held up due to pending utility (water pipeline of Kolkata Municipal Corporation) shifting in the alignment by State authorities.
Source: As per written statement by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Lok Sabha on December 3, 2025
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Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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