Kolkata's Metro Expansion: New Bids for Line-4 Extension

Metro Railway has announced a bid for the 6.8 km extension of Kolkata's Yellow Line, connecting the Airport to Birati. The project, valued at ₹1,330 crore, includes the construction of two new stations: Birati and Michael Nagar.

This expansion follows the Airports Authority of India (AAI) granting necessary clearances, resolving height restrictions for cranes needed in the construction. Despite previous delays, AAI's approval has facilitated work outside the airport perimeter, with significant progress reported.

The bid covers civil construction for the 6.8 km underground extension. This includes the use of 18-meter tall cranes for the Airport-New Barrackpore section and the much-anticipated approval for the Airport to Michael Nagar work. Discussions continue regarding the New Barrackpore station, located near a major runway's flight path.

The ₹1,330 crore contract involves constructing a 3.6 km metro tunnel and two underground stations. The tunnel will utilize the RCC box-pushing method, while the Birati station will be built using the cut-and-cover method. The contractor will handle design, procurement, and construction, including essential infrastructure such as firefighting and power supply systems.

With only ₹200 crore allocated for the Yellow Line in the current fiscal year, Metro Railway officials remain optimistic that additional funding and project challenges will be resolved as construction progresses. This extension is a crucial part of Kolkata’s transit expansion, enhancing connectivity from Noapara to Barasat via the airport.

News by Rahul Yelligetti