NEWS WAVE INDIA: The Purple Line Metro project, connecting Joka to Esplanade, has gained significant momentum in recent times, in line with the city’s expanding metro network. The inauguration of the Joka-Taratala stretch on December 30, 2022, marked a pivotal milestone in the project’s progress. Additionally, the construction work for the Majherhat Metro station is nearing completion and is set to be commissioned shortly. The construction of the Majerhat to Esplanade stretch of the Purple Line has also commenced, with a target completion time of 48 months set by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the implementing agency.
The completion of the Majerhat-Esplanade section will greatly enhance commuting convenience for residents of the south-western parts of Kolkata, including Taratala, Behala, Thakurpukur, and Joka, as it provides smooth connectivity to Central Kolkata.
The forthcoming Victoria Metro station, located underground adjacent to the iconic Victoria Memorial Hall, is one of the highlights of the Purple Line. This station will be one of the four underground stations on the Purple Line. Upon its commissioning, people from various parts of the city will have easy access to this renowned monument. Furthermore, it will facilitate visits to other iconic structures such as the M.P. Birla Planetarium (Taramandal) and St. Paul’s Cathedral. The station will serve as an alternate gateway to destinations including Rabindra Sadan, Nandan, the Academy of Fine Arts, Nehru Children’s Museum, and the famed PG Hospital (IPGMER & SSKM Hospital). It will also make it convenient for city residents and suburban dwellers to access the Brigade Parade Ground, popularly known as ‘Garer Maath,’ and enjoy leisurely afternoons and evenings.
The construction of Victoria Station is now underway, with RVNL as the executing agency. The initial steps include barricading an area of approximately 5000 square meters for the construction of this underground station. As part of the construction process, the Fountain of Joy at Kolkata Maidan will be dismantled and later reconstructed. Several trees will be transplanted to make way for the project. RVNL engineers have already initiated mobilization work ahead of the construction phase, which is expected to take approximately 30 weeks for preparation. The station will be constructed using the Cut and Cover method by M/s Larsen and Toubro Ltd., with a diaphragm wall extending approximately 325 meters upon completion.
In consideration of the construction and operational phases of the Metro Railway, a Vibration Impact Study has been conducted to assess potential vibration levels. Based on the study’s findings, a No Objection Certificate has been obtained from the Victoria Memorial Hall Authority.
Additionally, measures will be implemented to mitigate air and noise pollution, particularly in the Maidan area, during the construction of this station. These measures aim to preserve the aesthetic beauty of Victoria and its surroundings.