After a delay of over two years, the Kolkata Metro has finally begun construction on the Kidderpore underground station—a crucial part of the Joka–Esplanade Purple Line corridor. The project, long held up due to land acquisition hurdles within the Kolkata Armed Police premises, has now moved forward with necessary inspections and clearances in place.
Officials identified an 837 sq. metre plot within the Alipore Bodyguard Lines, essential for both road widening and underground infrastructure development beneath Diamond Harbour Road. As part of the groundwork, a 5-metre-wide temporary road spanning 380 metres is being developed to maintain smooth traffic flow during the construction phase.
To facilitate the project, Rs 45 crore in compensation has been issued, with plans in place to relocate key structures such as godowns, a reservoir, utility lines, and even a temple and office to alternative spots. Civic agencies will also re-lay sewer lines in coordination.
Once operational, the Kidderpore station is expected to serve thousands of daily commuters from the Kidderpore-Alipore-Behala belt, offering a vital link to the Esplanade Blue Line interchange. With tunnelling already underway at nearby locations like Park Street and Victoria, this development bridges a critical gap in the Purple Line’s progress.
This marks a major milestone in Kolkata’s efforts to deliver eco-friendly, high-capacity public transport while addressing legacy land-use and urban planning challenges. The Kidderpore project is now seen as a model for resolving metro expansion delays across densely built urban landscapes.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Kolkata Metro’s journey towards smarter, faster, and greener connectivity.
