Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Maidan Market Traders Resist Temporary Relocation for Metro Project
There is a big market in Kolkata called the Maidan market, which sells sports goods.
The government wants to build a new Metro station there, so they asked the traders to move to a temporary shed while the construction happens.
But many traders are scared because they don't have a written promise that they can come back to their old spots after the construction is done.
The market is very old and famous, and many people depend on it for their livelihood.
The government and the traders are still talking, but they haven't agreed on a solution yet.
A temporary shed is ready for Maidan market traders to relocate for Metro project construction.
Traders fear they may not be allowed to return to their original spots after construction.
The project has been delayed as traders refuse to move, causing a stalemate.
Traders demand a written assurance from the Ministry of Defence for their return.
The market is one of the largest sports goods markets in the country, established in 1954.
- Who
- Traders of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy Market and Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
- What
- Relocation of traders to a temporary shed for Metro project construction
- When
- Project construction was supposed to start in 2023
- Where
- Kolkata, India
- Why
- To enable the construction of the Esplanade station on the Joka–Esplanade Metro Purple Line
- Market Name
- Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy Market (Maidan market)
- Location
- Kolkata, India
- Project
- Esplanade station on the Joka–Esplanade Metro Purple Line
- Number of Traders
- 528
- Market Establishment Year
- 1954
- Project Deadline
- Three years from 2023
- Interchange Lines
- Blue Line (north-south), Green Line (East-West)