Kolkata Metro Yellow Line: Birati Extension Begins!

Phase-II of the Kolkata Metro’s Yellow Line (Noapara–Barasat corridor) is set to commence, following the award of a ₹1,330 crore contract to ITD Cementation. This phase will extend the line beyond Jai Hind (Airport) station to Birati.

ITD Cementation, which previously executed key underground works for the East-West Metro, will be responsible for constructing twin tunnels of 1.7 km each, the underground Birati station, and pedestrian subways for both Birati and Michael Nagar stations. The scope also includes architectural finishing, firefighting systems, water supply, sanitation, electrical works, and installation of the aluminium third rail system.

The first phase—a 7-km stretch from Noapara to Jai Hind (Airport)—has already been completed and is currently awaiting safety clearance from the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS).

Construction in Phase-II presents unique challenges due to its proximity to the airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has granted permission for 18-metre-tall cranes and issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for work on the Airport–Michael Nagar segment. Near the airport boundary, the RCC box-pushing technique will be used, while the cut-and-cover method will be deployed for building the Birati station.

Once complete, the extended corridor will significantly enhance suburban connectivity in North Kolkata, easing congestion and providing faster, safer transit options.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.