The Orange Line Metro project in Kolkata has gained momentum as Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) successfully bridged two more pillars at Chingrighata. The agency is now set to commence construction of the foot overbridge (FOB), the critical access point for Beleghata station at Metropolitan, located about 500 meters from the Chingrighata crossing.
Overcoming Major Hurdles
Last Sunday, the New Garia-Airport corridor (Orange Line) crossed its most difficult obstacle by bridging the 62-meter viaduct gap atop the busy Chingrighata crossing. This forms part of the final 366-meter gap of the Metropolitan-Sector V section, which includes 12 pillars. RVNL had struggled to proceed with construction beyond the Science City crossing for the past six years.
After the new government took over, a continuous day-night block was granted for two weekends to fill the 62-meter gap between piers 317 and 319. Subsequently, the gap between piers 319 and 320 has also been bridged from Jal Vayu Vihar to Nabapally. No traffic regulation was required for this operation as the concrete deck was launched over the passing canal.
Traffic Regulations for FOB Construction
From Monday, some traffic regulation will be enforced. Eight meters of the south-bound flank of Bypass at Metropolitan will be barricaded around the median for constructing the FOB's middle support between the north and south flanks. As a result, Garia-bound vehicles will need to steer left after using the new Bailey Bridge, proceed along the service road, cross Mathpukur, and re-enter Bypass. North-bound traffic headed towards Ultadanga will face minimal disruption, with around 4 meters barricaded on that side.
Kolkata Police's traffic department has granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for 45 days, allowing RVNL to set up the FOB's steel bases on either side and build the eastern access of Beleghata metro station. The NOC had been withheld for the past four years despite several traffic trials conducted by the police.
Background and Urgency
As reported by TOI on April 5, 2025, the metro station was ready but the FOB was missing. In August 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to flag off the Orange Line's 4.5-kilometer extension from Ruby to Metropolitan without this crucial access. Two years ago, considering the endless delays in obtaining permissions, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) issued the mandatory safety nod for operations, emphasizing the urgent need to build the FOB.
