Kolkata Metro Expansion: Linking Yellow and Orange Lines

Exciting Updates in Kolkata’s Metro Network

Kolkata’s Metro network is expanding quickly. The Yellow Line, stretching from Noapara to the airport, is nearly complete. It’s awaiting a final safety inspection. Meanwhile, construction on the Orange Line is set to begin soon. This line will connect New Garia to the airport.

Bridging the Lines

The Orange Line’s tracks will join the Yellow Line’s tracks. This will occur approximately 400 meters from the airport station. The merging will take place in an underground tunnel. Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) is overseeing this project.

Traffic Adjustments for Construction

RVNL has scheduled a three-day traffic block on the airport-bound road. During this time, they will:

• Remove the median divider that separates the two sides of the road.
• Shift a portion of the airport-bound side to the other side.
• Temporarily reduce each side from three lanes to two lanes.

This will create space for RVNL to excavate and construct the tunnel. The aim is to seamlessly merge the Orange Line tracks with the Yellow Line tracks.

Construction Specifics

RVNL will employ the “cut-and-cover” method for this section of the tunnel. They require about 7.5 meters of the airport-bound side of the road. This will allow the Orange Line tracks to merge at the same level as the Yellow Line tracks.

To facilitate this, airport-bound traffic will be rerouted after the right turn flyover from VIP Road. However, the two sides of the road are at different levels. Therefore, Afcons, the company constructing the underground section of the Orange Line, will first level out the two sides.

Ensuring Smooth Traffic Flow

After leveling, about two-thirds of the airport-bound side will be used for metro construction. Kolkata airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria has urged RVNL and Bidhannagar police to collaborate. They need to ensure that passengers traveling to and from the airport are not inconvenienced by the metro work.

This expansion is a significant leap for Kolkata’s Metro network. It will simplify travel to and from the airport for many people. The city is diligently working to ensure this project proceeds smoothly and safely.