New Garia-Airport Metro: Kolkata Metro may soon get police nod for completion of crucial 366-metre stretch near Chingrighata

It is this small section, merely 366 metre, which is holding up the extension of metro services from Beleghata towards the airport. Kolkata Metro has been awaiting approval for this section for over a year now.

The delay comes in the backdrop of an assurance given by the lawyer for Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) in the Calcutta High Court in September, where it was stated that work would resume in November.

According to senior officials, the RVNL has reached an agreement with the representatives of Kolkata Police, Kolkata Municipality, KMDA, state Transport Department and the Kolkata Metro to address the issue.

Once the Kolkata Police gives a No-Objection Certificate (NOC), three incomplete Metro pillars near the Chingrighata intersection will be completed. During the construction, the state government will be in-charge of traffic control at the busy intersection and provide alternative routes for vehicles.

The New Garia-Airport Metro line (Orange line) is currently operational only between Kavi Subhash (New Garia) and Beleghata stations. There is no direct service to the airport as yet.

Passing through crucial hubs, this Metro line is expected to ease out travel for not just people looking to reach the airport but also for daily commuters. This Metro line will pass through places such as Salt Lake Sector V and Newtown — both major hubs for office-goers.

For those travelling on the VIP road, a traffic mess is common on all days, more so during the morning and evening office hours. However, this line is expected to provide a much-needed respite from long traffic tailbacks.