In fact, a truncated Metro operation is scheduled to be started early next year from Kabi Subhas (New Garia) to Hemanta (Ruby). “We are running out of time to complete the work. After a long legal battle, we managed to get the land to build the ramp connecting the station with the yard. A massive chunk of land is still needed at the earliest to make it operational,” said an officer of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the implementing agency for the project.
The longest of the Metro alignments is likely to change the way citizens travel to and from the airport and the southernmost end of the city. But the pandemic seems to have dealt a severe blow to the project. The New Garia station hub is spread over Balia, Birzi and Garagacha area. So far, in Balia, no land has been acquired out of the 4,483 square metres required. Similarly, no land has been obtained out of the 2,178 square metres required in Birzi. Only in Garagacha, 5,386 square metres of land could be procured.
New Garia station is a major Metro hub where the New Garia-Airport alignment will merge with the existing New Garia-Dakshineswar Metro. Apart from this, New Garia station will have provision for its proposed extension till Baruipur.
Apart from the land hurdle at the new station, the elevated corridor is faltering in the Dhapa area, where 669 square metres is needed for erection of the three piers (310-312).
“Because of the Metro construction, Kolkatans have endured enough trouble as the these areas were often cut off from the carriageways. The faster it is completed, the smoother the ride will be,” said an official.
Due to the pandemic, most offices had been closed for a long period. Even after partial reopening, restrictions were imposed on public transport. Hearing of land cases, verification and possession of plot were affected due to fear of landowners attending the proceedings in the office of the Competent Authority (land acquisition office).
“Though all offices, including the courts of Competent Authority and Appellate authority, were functioning with 25% attendance, with limited public transport since May 15, we are requesting the land acquisition officer to expedite the proceedings,” said an official.