Kolkata’s Purple Line, a significant project in the city’s metro expansion, continues to make progress with various crucial developments. From the arrival of advanced tunnel-boring machines (TBMs) to the relocation of essential facilities, these updates underline the commitment to completing this key infrastructure project. With an expected completion by 2028-2029, the Purple Line promises to play a vital role in enhancing Kolkata’s public transport network.
Key Developments in the Purple Line Project
The Purple Line, which will span 14 kilometers, is an ambitious metro extension that will connect critical locations in Kolkata. According to recent updates, significant milestones are being achieved as part of this ongoing construction.
Arrival of Tunnel-Boring Machines (TBMs)
One of the key updates is the arrival of tunnel-boring machines (TBMs), which will be instrumental in the underground construction of the Purple Line. These TBMs, manufactured by Germany’s Herrenknecht, are being assembled in Chennai and are expected to begin arriving in Kolkata by December 2024. The TBMs will likely start their operations in March 2025, as confirmed by Metro Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Kausik Mitra.
The TBMs will assist in tunneling through the urban landscape, ensuring the smooth progression of underground sections of the metro. This phase of construction is critical to maintaining the project’s timeline and achieving the targeted completion by 2028-2029.
Major Boost from Defense Ministry Approval
The Purple Line project received a significant boost when the Indian Defense Ministry gave its approval for the shifting of the BC Roy Market. This step is vital for constructing a portion of the Esplanade station, which will be located on the 300-meter by 40-meter space where the market currently stands.
In light of this approval, the RVNL (Rail Vikas Nigam Limited) invited a Rs 19 crore bid to construct a temporary structure at the Mounted Police grounds to accommodate 528 traders from the BC Roy Market. This development will help keep local businesses operational while ensuring that construction moves forward without disruption.
Environmental Concerns and Efforts
Kolkata’s metro expansion is taking significant steps to address environmental concerns, particularly the impact on local greenery.
100% Tree Transplantation
The Purple Line is the first metro project in the city where 100% of trees impacted by construction will be transplanted. A recent survey identified 946 trees that were encroaching on the Maidan area. As of now, 112 trees have been successfully transplanted, with more scheduled for relocation in the coming months.
Additionally, the RVNL has planted five times the number of trees that were removed for construction. The agency is also seeking the Central Empowered Committee’s (CEC) permission to transplant the remaining trees as per an apex court’s directive, which ensures the environmental impact is minimized.
Smooth Transition for Esplanade Bus Stand
In an effort to accommodate the Purple Line’s Esplanade station, the L20 bus stand located at Esplanade is slated for relocation to Curzon Park. This move will help clear space for the underground station. A two-month timeline has been set for this transition, with inspections already conducted between state agencies and RVNL.
This step is a critical part of the ongoing planning to integrate the metro system with other forms of public transport, ultimately enhancing connectivity and reducing congestion in the area.
Other Noteworthy Developments
In addition to these primary updates, other key activities are also taking place as part of the Purple Line project.
Mominpur-Esplanade Underground Stretch Construction
Construction on the underground section between Mominpur and Esplanade is progressing at full speed. This part of the project involves complex tunneling work and station construction, which is necessary to ensure that the metro line can smoothly connect various parts of the city.
This stretch, along with the rest of the Purple Line, will significantly improve public transportation accessibility for Kolkata’s residents and reduce travel times across key areas of the city.
Noapara Trial Services
To ensure that services can be maintained while construction is underway, Kolkata Metro is introducing trial services on the North-South Metro line. Starting this week, trains will operate to Noapara instead of Dum Dum, increasing the number of services from 234 to 238. The trial will help to gauge the feasibility of this temporary arrangement, providing valuable data for future scheduling.
Conclusion
The Kolkata Metro Purple Line project is advancing rapidly, with significant steps taken to ensure that construction proceeds smoothly. From the arrival of advanced tunnel-boring machines to environmental initiatives like tree transplantation, the project reflects Kolkata’s commitment to enhancing urban infrastructure sustainably. As the project nears completion by 2028-2029, it will undoubtedly improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of the city’s transportation system.
Source:
Economic Times, Link to article
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