TMC Alleges Political Delay : The political storm in Bengal intensified after the Trinamool Congress (TMC) accused the central government of deliberately stalling Kolkata’s metro projects to create a “pre-poll photo opportunity” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. According to senior TMC leaders, several metro lines that could have been operational months earlier were delayed intentionally so that their inauguration could be aligned with the election season. The TMC has described this as an “insult to the people of Bengal” who had been waiting for faster transport connectivity for years. This controversy comes at a time when the city is witnessing rapid expansion of metro corridors, with projects connecting suburban towns, business hubs, and even the airport.
Opposition leaders alleged that bureaucratic approvals and fund clearances from the central government were slowed down to ensure that the Prime Minister could cut the ribbon just before polls. They argue that such delays show the “politicization of infrastructure” in Bengal, where development projects are tied to electoral gains rather than public need. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly denied these charges, stating that project completion timelines were dictated by technical and safety clearances, not political calculations. With both parties exchanging sharp words, the controversy highlights the deep political divide in Bengal ahead of the elections.
For the people of Kolkata, however, the debate is less about politics and more about convenience. Metro expansion is not just a matter of pride but a daily necessity for thousands of commuters who struggle with overcrowded buses, long traffic jams, and unpredictable suburban train services. The delays—whether political or technical—have real impacts on working professionals, students, and traders who rely on quick, affordable, and reliable transport. With several corridors nearing completion, citizens are hoping that the political wrangling does not further slow down the much-needed projects.
Public Anger Over Delays in Critical Metro Links
Commuters in Kolkata have long been waiting for projects like the East-West Metro, the Garia–Airport line, and the Joka–Esplanade corridor to be completed. Each of these lines has the potential to transform travel by reducing congestion on busy roads, cutting down travel time significantly, and connecting residential hubs to business districts. However, with political accusations flying, many citizens feel their needs have been overlooked in favor of political optics.
Voices from civil society, including transport experts and activists, have echoed similar concerns. They argue that metro development should be seen as a public utility and not as a tool for electoral propaganda. According to them, delays in projects have an economic cost as well, since traffic congestion leads to loss of working hours, fuel wastage, and higher pollution levels. Furthermore, the uncertainty around timelines makes it difficult for real estate developers, local businesses, and educational institutions to plan for future growth around metro corridors.
TMC Alleges Political Delay : Election Heat Meets Urban Development
Political analysts believe that this controversy may significantly influence Bengal’s election narrative. Infrastructure development has always been a key talking point in Indian politics, and in urban centers like Kolkata, where daily commuting struggles dominate conversations, metro projects hold special weight. If voters perceive that projects were stalled for electoral benefit, it could damage the credibility of the ruling party at the center. Conversely, if the projects are inaugurated and showcased as a gift to the people, the BJP may succeed in framing itself as the driver of Bengal’s modernization.
Ultimately, whether the delays were politically motivated or genuinely due to technical and bureaucratic hurdles remains contested. What is certain is that the battle over Kolkata’s metro has gone beyond infrastructure—it has become a symbol of power, control, and political messaging. For millions of Kolkatans, however, the priority remains simple: they want the trains to run without further delay.
🔗 External References:
- Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation – Official Updates
- Ministry of Railways – Metro Rail Development
- Urban Transport News – Metro Rail in India
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