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TMC, BJP United in Calling for Resumption of Halted Kolkata Metro Project

2024-12-27

Following Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw’s statement in Parliament about the suspension of a metro project in Kolkata, both the BJP in West Bengal and the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) have called for its revival.

Vaishnaw, responding to a question from BJP Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya regarding the new metro line from New Garia to Baruipur, explained that a survey had been conducted but the project was halted due to low traffic projections.

Jadavpur MP Sayani Ghosh raised the issue in Parliament, accusing the BJP of focusing on its interests rather than the public's welfare. She criticised the ministry for declaring the project economically unfeasible despite local support for the extension of the metro line.

Biman Banerjee, local MLA and Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, stated that the survey report used to halt the project was outdated and that the current context makes the project viable. He added that Baruipur Municipality would pass a resolution to push for its resumption.

Bhattacharya, who raised the matter in Parliament, confirmed that he would personally approach Vaishnaw to request reconsideration of the decision. He also pointed out that other metro projects in Kolkata have been delayed due to issues related to the state government, such as land acquisition and traffic diversion.

Vaishnaw also mentioned that delays in land acquisition are affecting 43 other railway projects in West Bengal, with only 640 hectares of the required 3,040 hectares acquired so far.