Kolkata Metro Orange Line: Girder launching completed at Chingrighata Crossing, traffic restored
The Ministry of Railways announced the successful completion of girder launching work for the Kolkata Metro Orange Line at Chingrighata Crossing on E.M. Bypass. The work was finished on May 25, 2026, by 05:00 hrs. Normal traffic flow on the bypass was restored well before the scheduled time.
ℹ️: Northern Railway Update: Trains delayed due to blocks in Bareilly and Delhi divisions।
What was the significance of the Chingrighata Crossing work?
This specific section involved bridging a 62-meter viaduct gap, which was a critical link for the project. The work had been stalled for nearly two years because of delays in getting traffic block permissions. The task was finally executed over two weekends, from May 15-18 and May 22-25, with support from the West Bengal government and Kolkata Police.
When will the Orange Line be operational for commuters?
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the viaduct gap is now bridged. According to S.S. Kannan, CPRO of Kolkata Metro, the authority aims to start metro services up to the IT Centre by December 2026. This link will reduce travel time and provide a more comfortable commute for lakhs of passengers across the city.
Key Project Details
| Entity | Role/Detail |
|---|---|
| Implementing Authority | Kolkata Metro |
| Stakeholder | Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) |
| Completion Date | May 25, 2026 |
| Target Opening | December 2026 |
| Critical Gap Length | 62 Meters |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was the work at Chingrighata Crossing delayed?
The project was stalled for about two years due to issues regarding traffic diversion permissions, which required intervention from the Calcutta High Court and Supreme Court.
When can people expect to travel on this stretch?
Metro Railway authorities and officials have stated that commercial operations up to the IT Centre are expected to begin by December 2026.