1 week ago
Kolkata Pink Line Wins Clearance After Years of Delays
Kolkata wants to build a Metro Pink Line between Baranagar and Barrackpore.
The line will run above the busy B T Road.
Construction was delayed because large water pipes are underneath the road.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has now allowed one old 48-inch pipe to be closed.
It also approved building a new 72-inch pipe for water supply.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is seeking a contractor to build the viaduct and 10 stations.
People hope the metro will make trips to Kolkata faster and more comfortable.
They also hope better transport will bring more businesses and industries to the area.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation approved closure of a legacy 48-inch water pipeline beneath B T Road.
The pipeline had delayed construction of the elevated Baranagar–Barrackpore Metro Pink Line.
The planned stretch is described as 12.40 kilometres in one report and 12.5 kilometres in another.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited has invited bids for a viaduct and 10 stations worth nearly Rs 1,587.39 crore.
Residents and officials hope the line will reduce travel time and support business and industrial growth.
- Who
- The Kolkata Municipal Corporation, Kolkata Metro Railway, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, the West Bengal government and residents of northern Kolkata suburbs are involved.
- What
- The civic corporation granted approval to close a legacy water pipeline, removing a major obstacle to the Baranagar–Barrackpore Metro Pink Line.
- Where
- The proposed elevated line will run between Baranagar and Barrackpore along Barrackpore Trunk Road, also called B T Road, in West Bengal.
- When
- The NOC was reported as granted on Monday in one article and Tuesday in another; bids are due by September 29, 2026.
- Why
- Closing the old pipeline and constructing a replacement are intended to clear the underground utility obstacle blocking metro construction.
Project supporters
Delay and implementation concerns
Travel improvements
Project supporters
Residents say the metro could reduce travel time by at least half an hour, make journeys more comfortable and help students, working professionals and women travelling to Kolkata.
Delay and implementation concerns
Residents have waited for more than 10 years and are seeking timely completion after prolonged lack of progress.
Economic development
Project supporters
Residents and officials expect improved connectivity to encourage businesses and further industrial growth along B T Road and in the Barrackpore–Titagarh belt.
Delay and implementation concerns
Residents say the government must still focus on attracting industries and ensuring overall development on both sides of B T Road.
Project readiness
Project supporters
The KMC NOC, approval for a replacement pipeline and removal of roadside encroachments are presented as steps toward starting construction.
Delay and implementation concerns
Construction still depends on awarding the contract, with bids due only by September 29, 2026, and officials acknowledging the need to prevent further hurdles.
Key facts
- Metro corridor
- Baranagar to Barrackpore Pink Line
- Reported length
- 12.40 kilometres in one report; 12.5 kilometres in another
- Planned stations
- 10
- Pipeline obstacle
- A legacy 48-inch water transmission or drinking-water pipeline beneath B T Road
- Replacement pipeline
- A new 72-inch pipeline from the Indira Gandhi Water Treatment Plant in Palta to the Talla Pumping Station
- Construction agency
- Rail Vikas Nigam Limited
- Estimated contract value
- Nearly Rs 1,587.39 crore
- Bid deadline
- September 29, 2026
Quotes
Biplab Mukherjee
A resident of Agarpara
“The ball is in the Metro Railway’s court now. We wish to see timely completion of this project.”
thehansindia.com
“We have been waiting for over 10 years now. However, no progress has been made till now.”
thehansindia.com
Sagnik Majumdar
A resident of Barrackpore
“The new government has promised a lot. It should concentrate on more industries in this area, now that it is getting connected to the city.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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