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Updates on Joka-Esplanade Metro Construction #3

29 May, 2024
Joka-gems city-metro-residential complex in south Kolkata

In our last update on the Kolkata Metro Rail’s Purple Line, the construction at Majerhat Metro station was going on. Recently, the trial service from Taratala to Majerhat has been successfully completed, and the Kolkata Purple Line is operational from Joka to Majerhat! Other metro stations along this route are Thakurpukur, Sakherbazar, Behala Chowrasta, Behala Bazar, and Taratala, covering a total length of 7 km.

Expanding the Purple Line: Route and Progress

The 18.47 km long Purple Line Metro Kolkata is the most prominent element of the Kolkata Metro. It features both elevated and underground alignments measuring 8.5 km and 6.32 km, respectively. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is overseeing the development and extension of the Kolkata Purple Line.

The route from Joka to Esplanade covers 15.08 kilometres, with an additional 3.39-kilometer continuation from Joka to Diamond Park. Kolkata Metro Line 3, as it is also called, intersects with Kolkata Metro Line 1 at Park Street and then runs parallel until it reaches Esplanade, where it connects with Kolkata Metro Line 2.

On-going Construction and Future Prospects

The stations yet to be completed on Kolkata Metro Rail’s Purple Line are all underground: Mominpur, Khidderpur, Victoria, Park Street, and Esplanade.

Work on the underground Victoria station is underway. RVNL is executing the construction work by erecting diaphragm walls (D-walls). This will be followed by constructing station slabs using the Cut-and-Cover Top-Down Method. Additionally, the Victoria station site has already deployed machinery to facilitate the construction of these diaphragm walls. The state forest department has granted RVNL permission to transplant 28 trees to make room for the station. Forest dept. has also allowed RVNL to plant 145 saplings (5 for each transplanted tree) inside the Joka depot. Permission for transplantation of trees in the 3 other underground stations (Khidderpur, Esplanade & Park Street) will be sought as work progresses.

Construction of the Esplanade station is expected to start by Dec 2024. Work has been on hold as the authority was waiting for approval to shift the Maidan (Bidhan) Market for the last four years. According to Kolkata Metro officials, RVNL has submitted a revised proposal for the construction to the Eastern Command and the State PWD. The land of the market belongs to the Army, and the proposal report for the metro station construction will be sent to the Central Government. The construction work will start as soon as the report gets approved. As per the new proposal, the construction work of the metro station will not be done in one go, and will be divided into multiple phases.

Operational Insights: Fares and Tunnelling Details

The tunnelling process for the new stretch will begin from Khidderpur and continue to Victoria (Memorial) station. It will involve the use of advanced Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs), with operations commencing from St. Thomas School. For the construction of the Park Street station, three club tents in the Maidan area – Calcutta Police Club, Calcutta Kennel Club, and Rajasthan Club – will have to be relocated temporarily outside the construction zone.

The lowest fare for the Joka Metro route of the Purple Line Metro is Rs. 5. The maximum fare will be Rs. 20. You can buy a tourist smart card for travelling via this metro for Rs 250 or Rs. 550, with a security deposit of Rs 80. The validity of this card spans three and five days, respectively

Impact on Property Market and Residents

The Purple Line extension presents a huge opportunity, especially for middle-income families, to invest in quality homes within their budget range, such as in Gems City, the largest residential complex in south Kolkata near Joka metro station.

The Kolkata Metro Purple Line aims to provide residents with faster and more efficient travel options. Completing this project will improve the city’s transportation infrastructure and help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

Look out for these updates on Kolkata Metro Rail’s Purple Line, promising transformative change for residents of and visitors to Gems City, the largest on-going residential complex in south Kolkata!

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