Orange Line Metro Construction — The long-anticipated Orange Line metro construction in New Town’s Technopolis area has once again reshaped Kolkata’s traffic dynamics, as the authorities have extended the ongoing traffic restrictions for another six months. The move, while essential to complete pending structural and commercial work at the Nabadiganta (Technopolis) metro station, continues to strain daily commuters and business owners along the busy Biswa Bangla Sarani stretch.
According to project officials, the barricaded section near Technopolis will remain partially closed to Salt Lake-bound vehicles until the completion of roofing, track alignment, and station infrastructure finishing. Airport-bound traffic has already been given partial relief, but a complete reopening for both directions is expected only after the final construction phase concludes.
A Prolonged Traffic Challenge in the Heart of New Town
The traffic rerouting at Technopolis began in mid-2023 when the Kolkata Metro Rail authorities initiated the structural work of the Orange Line’s elevated section. The project required closing off an 11 m by 130 m stretch of Biswa Bangla Sarani, opposite Technopolis, for safety and logistical reasons.
For months, thousands of daily commuters have faced detours and delays as traffic toward Salt Lake continues to be diverted via the narrow service road in front of Technopolis. The route, often congested during office hours, has become a recurring source of frustration for both private and public transport users.
With the completion of the platform, concourse, and roof slab, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) — the agency executing the project — has shifted focus to finalizing the station’s roof structure, interior fittings, and the commercial spaces integrated within the metro complex. Officials estimate this phase to require another five to six months before full road restoration is possible.
Orange Line Metro Construction: Why the Traffic Rejig Had to Continue
Infrastructure projects of this scale come with enormous logistical challenges. The Orange Line, stretching from New Garia to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, is among the most complex segments of the Kolkata Metro expansion plan. The New Town section, in particular, sits in a densely developed business district with limited room for construction staging.
The Technopolis station design includes elevated platforms, concourse levels, and integrated commercial areas that require intricate structural sequencing. The need to balance ongoing construction with daily vehicular movement forced authorities to adopt a phased approach — reopening one side for airport-bound vehicles while retaining diversions on the other.
The latest extension ensures that all safety and finishing works can be completed without risking commuter safety or damaging newly built infrastructure. Engineers involved with the project have stated that once the final roofing and fit-out works conclude, both directions on Biswa Bangla Sarani will reopen entirely.
Commuter Inconvenience and Business Impact
For the average commuter, the prolonged re-routing has turned what was once a 10-minute drive into a frustrating 25-minute ordeal during peak hours. Office-goers, cab drivers, and app-based transport users report rising travel times and increased fares due to longer detour routes.
Local shop owners and eateries near Technopolis say the reduction in direct foot traffic has impacted sales significantly. “Earlier, we had a steady crowd from nearby offices and passing vehicles. Now, customers often avoid this stretch due to congestion,” said one café owner in the area.
Small traders along the service road echo similar concerns, as parking restrictions and bottlenecks have cut into their daily earnings. Despite these challenges, most residents and business owners acknowledge the long-term benefits the Orange Line will bring once operational.
What’s Been Completed and What’s Pending
Over the past year, the Technopolis station has seen significant progress. RVNL has completed key elements such as:
- The concourse slab and platform levels
- The station’s main roof structure
- Part of the commercial concourse framework
Track-laying has begun, with only a small segment pending near the Sector V–Biswa Bangla Sarani junction. Once the necessary traffic block permissions are granted, final track and wiring work will commence.
The construction focus has now shifted toward finishing the western side of the station and developing commercial spaces beneath it. Once these are completed, both lanes of Biswa Bangla Sarani are expected to reopen for full vehicular movement.
The Orange Line’s Broader Significance
The Orange Line, also known as the New Garia–Airport Metro Corridor, is one of Kolkata’s most crucial transport projects. It is designed to seamlessly connect South Kolkata with Salt Lake, New Town, and the airport — reducing dependency on road transport and easing congestion along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass.
When fully operational, the Orange Line will significantly cut travel time between the city’s southern and northeastern zones. For professionals working in Sector V and New Town’s IT hub, it promises faster, more reliable connectivity to residential clusters and the airport.
The project, however, has seen multiple delays due to land acquisition challenges, viaduct alignment issues, and traffic management constraints. The Chingrighata section, for instance, required special night blocks and delayed progress by several months.
Government and Agency Coordination
Managing a project that intersects multiple jurisdictions requires close coordination between agencies. RVNL, Bidhannagar Traffic Police, the New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA), and local civic bodies are jointly monitoring the progress and adjusting traffic plans based on construction milestones.
Officials have assured that every extension comes with measurable progress. “We understand the inconvenience but ensuring safety and quality cannot be compromised. Once the roof and station interiors are complete, we will reopen the stretch for two-way traffic,” said an RVNL engineer involved in the project.
Traffic police officials also emphasize that diversions are closely monitored and adjusted to prevent gridlocks. Special personnel have been deployed during peak hours to manage vehicle flow and guide motorists along alternative routes.
Looking Ahead: The Next Six Months
The coming months are expected to see the completion of:
- Final roof work and waterproofing of the station structure.
- Installation of electrical and signaling systems.
- Development of commercial sections beneath the elevated station.
- Full reinstatement of both Salt Lake and Airport-bound traffic once the structure is certified safe.
Authorities are optimistic that by early next year, this section of the Orange Line will be ready for integration testing, marking a major step toward the eventual full operation of the line.
Balancing Development and Daily Life
Urban infrastructure growth inevitably disrupts routine city life, and Kolkata is no exception. The city’s expanding metro network has brought a series of temporary challenges — but each project completed has ultimately improved mobility and reduced pollution.
The Orange Line’s New Town segment, despite delays, represents progress toward a more sustainable and modern transport ecosystem. Once operational, it will serve as a backbone for future commercial and residential expansion in East Kolkata.
For now, commuters will have to bear with the ongoing diversions — a reminder that development, though slow, often travels on the same congested roads it seeks to improve.
External references:
- Orange Line (Kolkata Metro) — Wikipedia
- Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
- New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA)
- Kolkata Traffic Police — Official Site
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
