Railway Minister Alleges Past Delays in Chingrighata Metro, Announces Big Push for Kolkata
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Saturday accused the then TMC-led West Bengal government of repeatedly delaying the Chingrighata Metro project despite directions from both the Calcutta High Court and the Supreme Court. Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing Metro construction work at Chingrighata in Kolkata, Vaishnaw alleged that the Railway Ministry faced prolonged hurdles in securing the necessary permissions for the project, which he described as crucial for improving urban mobility and connectivity in the city.
"We were tired of asking for permission for Chingrighata. Finally, we had to approach the High Court. The High Court directed the state government to grant permission, but despite the court's order, permission was not given. The state government then moved the Supreme Court. Even after losing in the Supreme Court, permission for the Metro project was not granted," Vaishnaw alleged.
The Railway Minister said the delays had impacted infrastructure development and urban mobility plans for Kolkata. He stressed that the Chingrighata Metro corridor is vital for reducing traffic congestion and improving public transportation across the city.
The corridor is a key component of Kolkata Metro's ongoing expansion and is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between major residential, commercial and transit hubs once completed.
60 New Metro Trains for Kolkata
Highlighting the Centre's commitment to modernizing Kolkata Metro, Vaishnaw announced plans to induct 60 next-generation Metro train sets over the next five years.
According to the Minister, the new train sets will boost passenger capacity, improve commuter comfort and enhance the overall efficiency of Kolkata's Metro network. He said the modernization drive forms part of a larger strategy to upgrade urban transportation infrastructure in the city.
Commitment to Fast-Track Metro Projects
Vaishnaw further stated that the next phase of Kolkata Metro modernization is already underway and reiterated the Railway Ministry's commitment to completing all ongoing railway and Metro projects within record time.
The Railway Minister also expressed his gratitude to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari for extending support and cooperation towards the implementation of key Metro and railway infrastructure projects in the state. Vaishnaw said coordinated efforts between various stakeholders would help accelerate project execution and enable the Railway Ministry to complete all ongoing railway and Metro projects within record time, delivering enhanced connectivity and improved public transportation facilities for the people of West Bengal.
The Minister emphasized that improved coordination between the Centre, state authorities and project stakeholders would play a crucial role in accelerating pending works and ensuring timely completion of critical infrastructure projects.
With multiple Metro expansion projects progressing across the city and 60 new-generation Metro train sets planned for induction, Kolkata is poised for a major transformation in urban mobility and public transportation over the coming years.
