KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): Kolkata Metro has completed the long-pending girder launching work at Chingrighata ahead of schedule. The work is an important part of the Orange Line that will connect New Garia, Sector V and the airport. Metro authorities restored normal traffic on EM Bypass early Sunday morning after completing the work before the planned deadline.
Major construction work completed
Kolkata Metro carried out the work over two weekends,
- May 15 to May 18
- May 22 to May 25
Teams worked on a 366-metre section near the busy Chingrighata crossing. Metro officials said they completed the girder launching work successfully at around 5 am on Sunday. Authorities removed the traffic block on EM Bypass much earlier than expected and reopened the road for normal movement. Officials also arranged special safety measures during the construction work because Chingrighata remains one of the busiest traffic points in the city.
Why this work matters
The Chingrighata section had slowed down progress on the Orange Line for a long time. Earlier, officials faced problems related to traffic diversion and pending clearances. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had earlier informed the Rajya Sabha that these issues delayed work between Beleghata and Gour Kishore Ghosh stations. With the girder work now complete, construction on the remaining stretch can move faster.
About the Orange Line
The Orange Line runs from Kavi Subhash to Jai Hind Airport. Right now, metro services operate between Kavi Subhash and Beleghata. This operational section includes 9 stations. The remaining 22.28-km stretch from Beleghata to the airport is still under construction. Beleghata station is located around 2 km from the Chingrighata crossing.
Metro services till IT Centre by 2026
Speaking to Indianexpress, Kolkata Metro Chief Public Relations Officer SS Kannan said officials are targeting metro operations up to the IT Centre by December 2026. Once complete, the Orange Line will improve travel between South Kolkata, Salt Lake Sector V and the airport. The corridor is also expected to reduce road traffic pressure on EM Bypass and nearby areas.
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