Raj Bhavan Clears Purple Line Extension — In a significant boost to Kolkata’s metro infrastructure, the long-pending underground extension of the Purple Line from Esplanade to Eden Gardens has received formal approval from the Raj Bhavan. This decision paves the way for tunneling work under one of the most high-security zones in the city and promises to drastically improve central Kolkata’s connectivity.
The Underground Plan: Esplanade to Eden Gardens
The newly approved section involves a 1.6-kilometer underground corridor that will run from Esplanade to Eden Gardens, making Eden Gardens the fifth underground station on the Joka–Esplanade (Purple) corridor. According to Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), this stretch is a critical part of the corridor’s central spine, connecting major commercial, judicial, and administrative hubs.
Key highlights:
- The tunnel will pass just beyond the southern perimeter of Raj Bhavan, following a specially designed arc to avoid disturbing any heritage or security-sensitive structures.
- Topographical and geotechnical surveys have already been completed in the area, enabling the project to proceed to the tunneling phase.
Engineering Approach and Safety Measures
RVNL, the project’s implementing agency, has planned a combination of Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) and cut-and-cover methods to construct this section. Given the complex geology of Kolkata and the presence of sensitive buildings nearby, engineers have chosen Earth Pressure Balance TBMs designed to minimize vibrations and ensure safety.
- TBMs Durga and Divya, currently tunneling between Kidderpore and Park Street, may be deployed again for this stretch.
- All work near Raj Bhavan will adhere to strict noise and vibration limits as per Ministry of Defence and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) guidelines.
The alignment avoids direct tunneling under Raj Bhavan itself, opting instead for a carefully mapped detour around the edge of the compound.
Heritage and Security Considerations
Given the proximity to historic landmarks such as Raj Bhavan, Calcutta High Court, and St. John’s Church, the Metro authority worked closely with:
- ASI (Archaeological Survey of India)
- West Bengal Heritage Commission
- Governor’s Secretariat
- Urban Development Department
Approval from Raj Bhavan was conditional upon assurance that no deep excavation or high-decibel construction would occur near sensitive zones. The Governor’s office also reviewed the vibration and structural impact reports submitted by RVNL engineers.
Eden Gardens Station: More Than Just a Sports Hub
The upcoming Eden Gardens station is expected to be a game-changer for commuters. Located near Gate No. 1 of the stadium, the station will serve:
- Daily office commuters in BBD Bagh, Strand Road, and Bankshall Court areas.
- Tourists and match-goers attending events at Eden Gardens Stadium.
- Legal professionals accessing the Calcutta High Court.
The station will also offer interchange connectivity with the Blue Line at Esplanade, making it a vital node in Kolkata’s metro map.
Raj Bhavan Clears Purple Line Extension: Timeline and Project Status
The Purple Line, originally sanctioned in 2010–11, has faced multiple delays due to land acquisition issues and heritage clearances. However, with recent progress:
- The Joka-Taratala section is already operational.
- Tunneling work between Kidderpore and Park Street is currently underway.
- The latest approval clears the way for excavation work from Esplanade to Eden Gardens, which will begin in early 2026.
- Completion of the entire Purple Line is expected by 2027, pending environmental and safety approvals for the remaining stretch.
Urban Impact and Benefits
The Purple Line is designed to ease road congestion and reduce dependence on private transport in central and south Kolkata. Once completed, the Eden Gardens extension will:
- Reduce travel time between Joka and BBD Bagh to under 35 minutes.
- Offer seamless interchange with East–West and North–South metro lines.
- Promote tourism, business, and administrative access in the city core.
Moreover, better connectivity is expected to decongest surface traffic in historically overcrowded zones such as Esplanade, Mayo Road, and Red Road.
Conclusion
The Raj Bhavan’s green light for the underground extension of Kolkata Metro’s Purple Line marks a pivotal moment for the city’s transportation future. With strategic engineering, multi-agency coordination, and a commitment to preserving Kolkata’s heritage, the extension to Eden Gardens is poised to become one of the most important upgrades to the city’s mobility network in the coming years.
Official External Sources
- Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL)
- Metro Railway Kolkata – Official Website
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation
- West Bengal Urban Development & Municipal Affairs Department
- Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt of India
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