logo
West Bengal: Don't need Purple Line station at Kidderpore, state govt tells Metro

West Bengal: Don't need Purple Line station at Kidderpore, state govt tells Metro

Time of India08-06-2025
KOLKATA: The state govt has formally communicated to Metro Railway that it is unable to part with land at Bodyguard Lines to make way for the Purple Line's Kidderpore metro station.
At the project monitoring group (PMG) meeting last month, the state govt said: 'The approval for this land is pending at the policy level. The user agency may consider making the line without the Khidderpore station, after consulting ministry of railways.'
The state chief secretary and other senior bureaucrats, along with RVNL, the implementing agency of the Joka-Esplanade (Purple) line, attended the May 9 PMG meeting at Nabanna.
The state's views are recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Following this, the PMG recommended 'user agency (RVNL) to take up the issue of skipping the Kidderpore station with ministry of railways, also highlighting the pros and cons.'
RVNL is now drawing up the Purple Line's alignment without Kidderpore station, exploring alternatives to save the 3.5 km Mominpore-Victoria Memorial section.
If the in-between Kidderpore station is skipped, the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS), the autonomous body that gives the mandatory nod to revenue operations of a Metro line, will ask for a ventilation-cum-passenger evacuation shaft to be built halfway.
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In
elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill
Learn More
Undo
For the sake of passenger safety, maximum distance allowed between two Metro stations is 1.5 km.
Metro GM P Uday Kumar Reddy said on Saturday, 'It is now clear that the state is not interested in having us build a station at Kidderpore. Surveys have shown that the proposed station is expected to be used by 44,000 every day. It is the locals (of Kidderpore) who will be losing out on the metro connectivity. It is the city's loss.'
The underground Kidderpore station would have been built below the arterial Diamond Harbour Road. Land measuring 837 sq m at Kolkata Armed Police's Alipore Bodyguard Lines would have been used for traffic diversion, shifting utilities, building accesses, etc., while DH Road is blocked for the station construction.
The GM added that both Metro Railway and Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) are trying their best to wriggle out of the situation, even as finding a solution would be 'very difficult'.
Officials said without the Kidderpore metro station, the above facility should be located at the racecourse. But RCTC authorities are citing rules against any overground construction, given that the racecourse is also used for the landing of choppers ferrying VVIPs.
The roadblock comes at a time when Metro Railway is focusing on the Purple Line's extension beyond Esplanade to Eden Gardens and from Joka to IIM-Calcutta.
The Joka-Esplanade line now runs 7.7 km from Joka to Majerhat. The 8.8 km elevated Metro is supposed to duck 5 km underground beyond Mominpore with four stations dotting the stretch. Construction of three underground stations — Victoria, Park Street and Esplanade — has started along with the elevated Mominpore station.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

PM Modi to inaugurate Bhopal Metro's priority corridor in Oct: CM Mohan Yadav
PM Modi to inaugurate Bhopal Metro's priority corridor in Oct: CM Mohan Yadav

Hans India

time4 hours ago

  • Hans India

PM Modi to inaugurate Bhopal Metro's priority corridor in Oct: CM Mohan Yadav

In a major urban transit milestone for Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has announced that the Bhopal Metro Rail's priority corridor will be inaugurated in October 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to officiate the launch. The announcement signals the near completion of the AIIMS to Subhash Nagar stretch, the first operational segment of the city's long-awaited Metro project. Dr Yadav on Sunday personally supervised the progress and covered a short distance on the priority corridor. Developed at an estimated cost of Rs 2,225 crore, the priority corridor covers approximately 7.5 kilometres and comprises eight elevated stations. The Metro line promises world-class passenger amenities, including modern escalators, elevators, automated fare collection systems, and accessibility features for differently-abled passengers. The Chief Minister said that 27 state-of-the-art train sets have been commissioned for the project, with seven already delivered and undergoing trial runs. The Bhopal Metro, being executed by the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL), is designed to improve public mobility, curb vehicular congestion, and reduce environmental pollution in the state capital. The first phase will eventually span 28 kilometres across two interconnected corridors, combining elevated and underground tracks to ensure comprehensive urban coverage. In parallel, Indore—the state's commercial capital—continues to advance its own Metro infrastructure under the same initiative. The Indore Metro Rail Project, with a Phase 1 length of 33.53 kilometres, is estimated at Rs 7,500 crore and financed through a mix of central and state funds, along with international development loans. A 5.9-kilometre priority section from Gandhi Nagar to Station Number 3 has completed successful trial runs, and full operations are targeted for 2027. The Bhopal Metro's Orange Line, extending from AIIMS to Karond, will feature 16 stations—14 elevated and two underground—across a 16.69-kilometre alignment. Of this, 13.3 kilometres will run on elevated viaducts, while 3.39 kilometres will be constructed underground. The Blue Line will span 14.16 kilometres from Bhadbhada to Ratnagiri Tiraha, consisting entirely of elevated track with 14 stations along the corridor. Together, the two lines will cover a total length of 30.85 kilometres and accommodate 30 stations, forming the backbone of Bhopal's new mass transit system. Both Metro ventures, Indore and Bhopal, are central to Madhya Pradesh's strategy for modernising urban transport and boosting regional development. With Indore and Bhopal expected to lead the way in seamless, clean, and high-capacity transit, the government envisions a paradigm shift in commuter experience and city planning.

Mumbai Now Maximum Metro City: How Many Lines Are Running On Which Routes? How Many More To Go?
Mumbai Now Maximum Metro City: How Many Lines Are Running On Which Routes? How Many More To Go?

News18

time7 hours ago

  • News18

Mumbai Now Maximum Metro City: How Many Lines Are Running On Which Routes? How Many More To Go?

Mumbai Metro Lines: How many are running, how many are planned? What are ticket fares? From local trains as lifeline to Metro as the new connector, a look at the journey Mumbai Metro Lines: Mumbai is witnessing a sea change in the way it travels. Picture this: For a city that heavily relied on local trains as its lifeline, with buses and autorickshaw-taxis offering the extra support, four Metro lines (around 68km) are operational, nine are (134 km) under construction, and over 100 km of lines in planning or tender stage. With a network of 300-340 km likely by 2030, the picture is only set to get bigger, better, and a tad confusing. Time to simplify it for Mumbaiites. Line 3 (Aqua): Colaba-BKC-SEEPZ (partial); 22-km operational underground; rest still under construction; cost Rs 33,406 crore. How many Mumbai Metro lines are under-construction or have been planned? The lines under construction are 2B, 3 (remaining portion), 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7A, 9, and 12 (some segments), collectively covering around 134 km. Line 2B (Yellow): Andheri-Mandale (23.6 km); phased opening expected in 2025-2026; cost Rs 10,986 crore Lines 4 & 4A (Green): Wadala through Kasarvadavali to Gaimukh, expected to open by end of 2025 or early 2026; cost Rs 3,907 crore Line 5 (Orange): Thane-Bhiwandi-Kalyan; 12-13 km construction ongoing, deeper stretch to Kalyan under review; cost Rs 8,416 crore Line 12 (Orange): Kalyan to Taloja (23 km), in early construction phase; cost Rs 4,132 crore. Journeying through the kaleidoscope of city life: Life in a Metro. #LifeInAMetro #CityPulse #UrbanVibes #MumbaiMetroOne — Mumbai Metro (@MumbaiMetro01) February 29, 2024 How many Mumbai Metro lines are approved/proposed? The lines currently in planning/tendering include lines 8, 10, 11, 12 (remaining), 13 and 14, bringing to 115-140 km in proposal or DPR stage. Line 10 (Extension of green line): Linking Thane / Gaimukh area to Mira Road / Shivaji Chowk, intersecting Lines 4 and 7 along the way; cost Rs 4,476 crore Line 14 (Pink): Proposed link from Vikhroli/Kanjurmarg in Eastern Mumbai beyond into Ambernath (Thane district); cost Rs 13,500 crore. Yellow: Line 2A + 2B (East-West link through Western suburbs and BKC) Green: Lines 4, 4A, 10 (Eastern suburbs to Thane) Red: Lines 7, 7A, 9, 13 (Western corridor northward) Orange: Lines 5, 12 (Central Mumbai to Kalyan-Taloja belt) Pink: Line 6 (East-West connector); Line 14 likely same Are functional Mumbai Metro lines interconnected? Line 1 (Blue Line) connects with Line 2A (Yellow Line) at DN Nagar and Andheri, allowing passengers to switch between the elevated Line 1 and elevated Line 2A on Mumbai's western corridor. Line 2A (Yellow Line) and Line 7 (Red Line) intersect at Dahisar East, facilitating transfers between these lines serving the northern suburbs. Line 3 (Aqua Line), which runs underground through central Mumbai, will connect with multiple existing and upcoming lines at key hubs such as BKC (Bandra-Kurla Complex) and CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), enabling efficient movement between suburban and business districts. Planned interchange stations are being developed to connect Lines 2B, 4, 5, 6, and others, creating an integrated network with easy last-mile connectivity. What is the frequency of Metro trains? Metro-1: 4 minutes during peak hours, 8 minutes during off-peak hours Metro 2A and 7: 5 minutes and 50 seconds during peak hours, 9 minutes and 30 seconds during non-peak hours Metro 3: 6 minutes and 20 seconds during peak hours, 10 minutes during non-peak hours. What is the fare system for Mumbai Metros? All MMRDA‑operated lines such as lines 2A, 7 and Aqua Line (Line 3) use a distance-based slab system: 0-3 km: Rs 10 3-12 km: Rs 20 12-18 km: Rs 30 18-24 km: Rs 40 24-30 km: Rs 50 30-36 km: Rs 60 36-42 km: Rs 70 >42 km: Rs 80 Single-journey fares range from Rs 10-80, depending on travel distance. For example, the newly opened 22 km corridor (Aarey-Worli) on Metro 3 (Aqua) is priced at Rs 60 for an end-to-end trip. In case of line 1, fare range is Rs 10-40. Travel with a ticket or tap in with your NCMC Card. One card works on many transport operators. No daily ticket needed, and no risk of losing or mixing them up. Just tap and go. #ConnectingtheUnconnected #Contactlesstravel #NCMCcard #TapKaroMetroChuno — MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) June 26, 2025 How can you get Mumbai Metro tickets? Line 1: Ticket counter (cash, cards, UPI), Ridlr app, paper QR, smart card Lines 2A & 7: Ticket counter, vending machine, Mumbai 1 card, WhatsApp QR (Send 'Hi" to +91 9670008889 on WhatsApp), mobile app Line 3: Mumbai 1 card, counter, vending machine, QR ticketing (limited). Mumbai 1 Card: You can get it at any Metro station on Lines 2A or 7 by visiting the customer service counter and paying a small refundable deposit along with an initial balance, or online through the official portal where you can order it for home delivery or station pickup. BEST outlets (e.g. Wadala, Colaba, Bandra) issue Mumbai 1 Cards. The card works seamlessly on Mumbai Metro Lines 1, 2A, 7, and 3 and is being gradually integrated with BEST buses and other NCMC-enabled services. Once you have it, simply tap at metro entry/exit gates, and recharge via station kiosks, the Mumbai Metro app, or online. It offers fare discounts (5% on weekdays, 10% on holidays), and supports trip passes and unlimited ride options, making it ideal for regular commuters. Mumbai 1 (by MMMOCL) is the official mobile ticketing app for Maha Mumbai Metro (Line 2A, 7, 3). Booking of Metro tickets through the Uber app is likely to start soon. A new city-wide app called Mumbai One, integrating ticketing across Metro (all lines), buses, local trains, and monorail, is expected to roll out soon—initial testing is underway in mid 2025. What are Mumbai Metro timings? While Mumbai Metro 1, 2A and 7 run from 6 am to 11 pm, Mumbai Metro-3 runs till 10.30 pm. Mumbai Metro 1 sees a daily ridership of approximately 5 lakh, lines 2A and 7 2.3-2.5 lakh and line 3 20,000 as of now. As Phase 2A of Aqualine is plying and connecting commuters to Worli, we'd like to guide you through open and functional entry/exit points.✅ Open Entry/Exit A1- Worli Police Station B1 – Glaxo Smith Kline B2 – Dr Ravindra Kulkarni Chowk Samsira B3 – Worli Fire Station B4… — MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) May 12, 2025 How do Mumbai Metros connect to public transport or airports? What is being planned? To railway Line 1 (Blue): Ghatkopar (Central Railway) Line 2A & 7: Connect at Dahisar East/West, close to Western line stations Line 3 (Aqua): Will connect to Churchgate, CSMT, Dadar, and Mumbai Central on full completion Line 6 (Pink) (under construction): Will connect to Kanjurmarg (Central line) and potentially Jogeshwari (Western) Future lines like Line 14 aim to extend metro reach into Central Mumbai and suburbs where suburban rail is stretched To roads Foot Overbridges & Walkways: Integrated or under development at many stations to allow seamless movement between metro and rail platforms (e.g., Ghatkopar, Dahisar, Dadar). Metro stations are designed with bus bays, stops, and feeder routes to support end-to-end journey options. For example, BEST has adjusted or launched feeder bus routes to Line 2A and Line 7 corridors. Bus priority lanes are being considered near major metro stations for smoother transitions. Mumbai 1 Card (NCMC) integration is under way to allow commuters to use the same smartcard on both BEST buses and metro trains. Dedicated pickup/drop zones for autos, taxis, and app cabs (e.g., Uber, Ola) are integrated at many stations. MMRDA has planned bike-sharing and e-rickshaw feeder services at select stations, especially on Line 2A, 7, and upcoming Line 3. Smart parking and multi-modal integration zones are part of future metro station masterplans (Line 4, 5, 6, etc.). Common Mobility Card: Mumbai 1 Card allows tap-and-go access on Metro Lines 2A, 7, and 3, BEST buses (ongoing rollout), local trains (partial trials). Unified ticketing for Metro + Rail + BEST is planned by 2026, via Mumbai 1 card or mobile QR ticketing apps Joint time-table coordination (Metro-Rail-BEST) during peak hours is being explored for smoother transfers. Uber also plans to start Airport Priority Access at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport or Mumbai airport, which will streamline terminal pick-ups. This will come at the P6 level of CSMIA. To bullet train The Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train will be linked to two Metros – Metro-3 or the aqua line through a tunnel at Bandra-Kurla Complex and 2B via a foot overbridge (FOB). To airports Metro-8 is a 35-km elevated line that will connect the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) in Mumbai to the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA). Can you carry luggage and bicycles on the Mumbai Metro? Luggage is allowed, but large or bulky items may be restricted during peak hours. Bicycles and pets are generally not permitted inside metro coaches. Is there parking available at Metro stations? Many major metro stations offer parking facilities for two-wheelers and cars to encourage park-and-ride commuters. Is Mumbai Metro safe to travel at night? According to the website, Mumbai Metro maintains good security with CCTV surveillance, staff presence, and emergency systems; however, it's advisable to follow usual safety precautions. #MMRC completes track laying from #Aarey to #CuffeParade (upline & downline) 100% on #MML3 corridor. This marks a significant milestone in the project progress towards full commissioning. #ProgressUpdate #ConnectingTheUnconnected #Aqualine #MumbaiUnderground — MumbaiMetro3 (@MumbaiMetro3) December 8, 2024 How has Metro boosted Mumbai's connectivity? East-west and cross-city linkages: The Aqua Line 3 (Colaba BKC SEEPZ) enables commuters to travel 22 km underground—from Aarey to Worli—in just 36 minutes, a journey that used to take much longer by road. Economic & cultural access: The Metro now connects vital commercial hubs like BKC, Worli, and Andheri; religious landmarks like Siddhivinayak; and leisure areas such as Shivaji Park The Times of India. Decongesting roads: With phase 2A of Metro 3 operational, about 4-5 lakh vehicles are expected to be taken off key arterial routes daily. Integrated ticketing & intermodal integration: Features like a common travel card for Metro, BEST buses, suburban rail, and a travel planning partner (Google integration) are enhancing first- and last mile connectivity. Expanded infrastructure investment: MMRDA has committed over ₹12,000 crore to bolster lines 4 & 6 and improve station-level multimodal links—covering feeders, fare collection, and last mile bridges. Air-conditioned travel: Safer, faster, and more comfortable than suburban trains, especially in monsoon & summer. Has Metro transformed Mumbai? Reduced travel time: The most immediate impact is the significant reduction in travel time between different parts of the city. For example, the Versova-Andheri-Ghatkopar corridor (Line 1) reduced the journey time between Versova and Ghatkopar from 71 minutes to just 21 minutes. Improved connectivity: The metro lines have connected previously isolated areas, providing seamless access to commercial and residential districts. Line 3, for instance, enhances connectivity to the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and Worli, two crucial areas. Reduced traffic congestion: By offering a faster and more reliable alternative to road travel, the metro has helped alleviate traffic congestion on roads, especially during peak hours. Real estate value boost: Proximity to metro stations has become a significant factor in property value appreciation, making properties near metro lines more attractive to buyers and renters. Economic growth: The improved connectivity and accessibility have spurred economic activity in areas along the metro lines, fostering the growth of commercial hubs and residential developments. Enhanced accessibility: The metro provides access to key areas for both professionals and residents, facilitating easier commutes and improving the overall quality of life. top videos View all Future expansion: Ongoing and planned Metro lines, including the Airport Express corridor (Line 8) and other lines connecting different parts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), are further enhancing connectivity and promising even greater transformation in the future. Sustainability: Modern signaling systems and regenerative braking technology in the metro trains contribute to energy efficiency and a more sustainable transportation system. About the Author Manjiri Joshi At the news desk for 17 years, the story of her life has revolved around finding pun, facts while reporting, on radio, heading a daily newspaper desk, teaching mass media students to now editing special copies ...Read More tags : Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd Mumbai metro Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation news18 specials view comments Location : Mumbai, India, India First Published: July 27, 2025, 17:16 IST News cities » mumbai-news Mumbai Now Maximum Metro City: How Many Lines Are Running On Which Routes? How Many More To Go? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

‘Betrayed the people': Naveen Patnaik on Odisha government's decision to scrap Bhubaneshwar metro project
‘Betrayed the people': Naveen Patnaik on Odisha government's decision to scrap Bhubaneshwar metro project

Hindustan Times

time14 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

‘Betrayed the people': Naveen Patnaik on Odisha government's decision to scrap Bhubaneshwar metro project

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik expressed concern over the Odisha government's decision to cancel the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project initiated during his tenure, saying the move will push the city 10 years back in terms of urban mobility and development. BJD president and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik said that the metro project, with Mo Bus and other last-mile connectivity, would have reshaped the way the state capital moves.(PTI file) Patnaik's reaction came hours after it was reported that the state's BJP government had scrapped the Metro rail project contract with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Taking to social media on Saturday, Patnaik said, "Shocked to know that Bhubaneswar Metro Rail contracts have been cancelled by BJP led #Odisha Govt. It has always been our dream to develop #Bhubaneswar into a world-class city. We have been focusing on world-class sports infrastructure, organising marquee international events, providing seamless modern transport and developing IT ecosystem to transform the temple city into a world-class city." Stating that the project would have reshaped the way the state capital moves with Mo Bus and other last-mile connectivity, complementing the city transport, Patnaik said that apart from alleviating congestion inside the city significantly, it would have been a huge catalyst for the expansion of the city. "Realising the urgent need of a Metro System for enhanced mobility, we had set a watertight timeline of 2027 for Phase 1 of the project," Patnaik said. The former chief minister said it has now been learned from the notice by DMRC to contractors that Odisha government has scrapped the Bhubaneswar Metro project. "The double-engine government has betrayed the people of Odisha by cancelling an important project like Metro Rail. The shocking decision will push the city 10 years back," he said. Odisha's Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, however, said the state government is earnestly planning a feasible Metro project for the state capital. He said the previous BJD government did not seek central assistance as it had planned a fully state-funded ₹5,000-crore project connecting Biju Patnaik International Airport with Trisulia Square. The minister said the BJP government wanted to execute the project in a joint venture with the Centre's help. "We will have the Metro rail project differently from the past government's plan, which was not feasible. A new DRP will be prepared and sent to the Centre for approval," the minister said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store