Kolkata Metro projects affected by significant funding shifts
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Kolkata Metro projects affected by significant funding shifts

The Union Budget for the current financial year has had varying effects on Kolkata?s on-going metro projects. While funding for two projects has been reduced, one project has seen a significant increase compared to the previous year.

Overall, the allocation for Kolkata Metro projects has risen by Rs 300 million in comparison to the previous financial year.

The Dumdum Airport-Kavi Subhash (New Garia) via Rajarhat Metro project has received the largest allocation. According to a statement issued by Metro Railway, Rs 1 7.91 billion have been allocated for this line, marking a significant increase from the Rs 12 billion allocated the previous year.

Currently, commercial services are operational from Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay on this line. Metro officials expect that the stretch from Hemanta Mukhopadhyay to Beleghata will commence soon, as the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety has already conducted an inspection of this section.

In contrast, the Noapara-Barasat and Joka-Esplanade metro projects have faced significant budget cuts. The Noapara-Barasat via Bimanbandar Metro corridor has been allocated Rs 2 billion this year, a sharp decrease from the Rs 6.2 billion allocated the previous year. Similarly, the Joka-Esplanade Metro Project has been allocated Rs 12.08 billion in the current fiscal, down from the Rs 13.50 billion allocated in the 2023-2024 Budget.

The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety has already inspected the Noapara to Dumdum Cantonment stretch of the Noapara-Barasat corridor, and metro services on this stretch are expected to start soon. Additionally, commercial services from Joka to Majerhat have already begun on the Joka-Esplanade corridor, with ongoing construction to extend services beyond Majerhat.

Furthermore, necessary funds have been allocated for the final segment of the tunneling work of the East-West Metro between Esplanade and Sealdah, which spans 800 metres.

The Union Budget for the current financial year has had varying effects on Kolkata?s on-going metro projects. While funding for two projects has been reduced, one project has seen a significant increase compared to the previous year. Overall, the allocation for Kolkata Metro projects has risen by Rs 300 million in comparison to the previous financial year. The Dumdum Airport-Kavi Subhash (New Garia) via Rajarhat Metro project has received the largest allocation. According to a statement issued by Metro Railway, Rs 1 7.91 billion have been allocated for this line, marking a significant increase from the Rs 12 billion allocated the previous year. Currently, commercial services are operational from Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay on this line. Metro officials expect that the stretch from Hemanta Mukhopadhyay to Beleghata will commence soon, as the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety has already conducted an inspection of this section. In contrast, the Noapara-Barasat and Joka-Esplanade metro projects have faced significant budget cuts. The Noapara-Barasat via Bimanbandar Metro corridor has been allocated Rs 2 billion this year, a sharp decrease from the Rs 6.2 billion allocated the previous year. Similarly, the Joka-Esplanade Metro Project has been allocated Rs 12.08 billion in the current fiscal, down from the Rs 13.50 billion allocated in the 2023-2024 Budget. The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety has already inspected the Noapara to Dumdum Cantonment stretch of the Noapara-Barasat corridor, and metro services on this stretch are expected to start soon. Additionally, commercial services from Joka to Majerhat have already begun on the Joka-Esplanade corridor, with ongoing construction to extend services beyond Majerhat. Furthermore, necessary funds have been allocated for the final segment of the tunneling work of the East-West Metro between Esplanade and Sealdah, which spans 800 metres.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Trump-Backed $100 Billion Stargate to Use Solar Power for AI Infra

A $100 billion joint venture, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is set to advance artificial intelligence in the U.S. and will rely partly on renewable energy sources such as solar power and batteries, favored by his climate-focused predecessor.The Stargate venture, announced on January 23, 2025, involves SoftBank Group Corp., OpenAI, and Oracle Corp. These companies will invest $100 billion to establish infrastructure in the U.S., including data centres for OpenAI. Although executives highlighted a potential $500 billion expansion, they did not specify energy sources for the project...

Next Story
Building Material

JK Cement Acquires Majority Stake in Saifco Cement to Expand in J&K

JK Cement has made a significant move in its growth strategy by acquiring a 60% equity stake in Saifco Cement, a cement manufacturer based in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The acquisition, valued at approximately Rs 1.74 billion, was approved during a board meeting on January 25, 2025.Located in Khunmoh, Srinagar, Saifco's integrated manufacturing unit, which includes both clinker and grinding capacities, aligns with JK Cement's expansion plans. Saifco has an annual turnover of around Rs 860 million, and this acquisition not only strengthens JK Cement's presence in the region but also offers a ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Etihad Unveils Train Connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi in 30 Minutes

Etihad Rail has announced the launch of a new high-speed passenger train service between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, set to reduce travel time to just 30 minutes. The trains will travel at speeds of up to 350 km/h, significantly improving connectivity between the two emirates.The announcement was made during an official ceremony at Al Faya Depot, with officials from the Dubai Media Office (DMO) and Abu Dhabi Media Office (ADMO) sharing the news on social media platform X.The high-speed rail route will pass through major destinations and tourist attractions, providing a fast, efficient travel experien..

Hi There!

"Now get regular updates from CW Magazine on WhatsApp!

Join the CW WhatsApp channel for the latest news, industry events, expert insights, and project updates from the construction and infrastructure industry.

Click the link below to join"

+91 81086 03000