Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Maidan Market Traders Promised Return After Esplanade Metro Station Completion
Maidan market sellers need to move so workers can build a new metro station.
They are being moved to a temporary market near Manohar Das Tarag.
The sellers asked the court for more time and a clear promise about returning.
Railway Vikas Nigam Limited said they could return after the station is finished.
It did not give an exact date, saying they would return within a reasonable period.
Officials said the new station will include space for the market.
The temporary market is expected to have water and electricity.
The court verbally gave the traders one extra week to move.
Railway Vikas Nigam Limited assured the Calcutta High Court that Maidan market traders would return after the Esplanade station is completed.
The traders must shift by August 26 to make way for construction of the Purple Line Metro station.
A temporary market has been established north of Manohar Das Tarag for the relocated traders.
The traders’ association sought more time and a written return schedule from Railway Vikas Nigam Limited.
The court was told that the temporary market would receive water and electricity, while the shifting deadline was verbally extended by one week.
- Who
- Maidan market traders, their association, Railway Vikas Nigam Limited, and the Calcutta High Court.
- What
- Traders are being relocated for construction of the Esplanade station, with an assurance that they can return after completion.
- When
- The traders were asked to shift by August 26; the deadline was verbally extended by one week.
- Where
- From the Maidan market to a temporary market north of Manohar Das Tarag in Kolkata.
- Why
- The relocation is needed to make way for the Esplanade station on the Joka-Esplanade Purple Line Metro corridor.
Traders’ Request
Railway Vikas Nigam Limited’s Position
Relocation deadline
Traders’ Request
The traders’ association sought an extension of the deadline to vacate the market.
Railway Vikas Nigam Limited’s Position
Railway Vikas Nigam Limited agreed to relocation for construction, and the court verbally extended the shifting deadline by one week.
Return schedule
Traders’ Request
The traders asked for a written undertaking specifying when they would be brought back.
Railway Vikas Nigam Limited’s Position
Railway Vikas Nigam Limited said a specific timeline was not feasible but assured the court that the traders would return within a reasonable period after completion.
- Project
- Esplanade station on the Joka-Esplanade Purple Line Metro corridor
- Relocation deadline
- August 26, with a verbal one-week extension
- Temporary market
- North of Manohar Das Tarag
- Return assurance
- Traders will return within a reasonable period after the station is completed
- Market provision
- The completed station will include space for the market
- Temporary facilities
- Water and electricity were assured at the new market
- Court
- Calcutta High Court