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The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation Ltd’s (KMRC) proposed rail link between the eastern and western fringes of the city now faces a delay as land hurdles and alignment of tracks pose fresh problems for the project.
Delay is likely to lead to a cost escalation for the project.
The delay has risen over a 3.5 km underground stretch connecting the Howrah station to the central parts of the city.
Tender for which was awarded to a joint venture of Afcons and Transtonellstroy. KMRC, a joint venture between the Centre and the West Bengal governments, is the executing body for the Rs 5,000-crore East-West metro project.
The near 15 km-long link will connect the IT hub of Sector V in Kolkata to Howrah.
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is funding 50 per cent of the project cost.
Nearly 9 km of tracks (of 15 km) will be underground; the remaining 6 km will be elevated ones.
Change in Plans
With the West Bengal government proposing a realignment following lack of land availability, the length of the project is likely to go up by another 1.5 km near the central Kolkata area.
The plan is to avoid the Central station.
Originally, East-West would meet the existing Kolkata Metro lines at Central.
Instead, the new tracks are likely to be realigned along the Esplanade tram depot, and then, move along towards the State Secretariat (Writers’ Building).
The matter will be taken up at a meeting to decide whether the funding agency, JBIC, is willing to agree to the change in original plans.
The realignment will increase costs substantially, officials said, and requires fresh clearances.
Underground work
Currently, tunnelling work for 5-odd km is carried out by the Indo-Thai joint venture of ITD-ITD Cem at a cost of nearly Rs 910 crore.
Tunnelling at around 1.5 km (750 metre on both the up and down side) stretch has been completed.
Tunnelling work along the entire stretch is expected to be completed by July 2016, ITD-ITD Cem officials said.
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