Even as the country's first metro rail, Kolkata Metro, has been expanding rapidly in recent times, the project has just not seen an end to delays. Though the construction of the metro started in 1973-74, due to the shortage of funds and the irregular supply of materials, the first train could run only on October 24, 1984.
According to a report by the Indian Express, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on December 3, outlined the progress made over the last decade. From 2014 to 2025, 45 km of new metro routes have been commissioned, a sharp rise compared to the 28 km completed in the 42 years from 1972 to 2014.
Also Read | Kolkata dips to 15°C, marking the coldest day of the season yet
Why are Kolkata metro projects facing delays?
Despite this growth, some metro projects remain delayed. Vaishnaw said, “Presently, four metro corridors of total 52 km are under construction in and around Kolkata out of which 20 Km is held up due to land acquisition and utility shifting issues pertaining to State Government.”
Corridor-wise status
Joka-Esplanade (14 km)
Out of the total 14 km, 7.74 km has been completed. Work on the remaining 6.26 km has slowed because of delays in land acquisition and utility diversion by state agencies.
New Garia–Dum Dum Airport (32 km)
Only 9.8 km of this 32-km corridor is completed. Delays in getting traffic diversion permissions from state authorities affected the progress.
Also Read | Massive shortfall in Toto registration: Bengal government extends deadline after poor response
Noapara–Barasat (18 km)
Work is in progress from Jai Hind Airport to Michael Nagar, partly covering the stretch. The remaining 11.36 km - from New Barrackpore to Barasat - is stuck owing to land acquisition hurdles and encroachments.
Baranagar–Barrackpore (7.5 km)
Work on this stretch has come to a standstill as the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s water pipeline needs to be shifted, a task pending with state authorities.
