Kolkata Metro's Blue Line Set for Major Infrastructure Overhaul Starting April
In a significant development for Kolkata's urban transit system, Metro Railway authorities have announced plans to commence full-fledged reconstruction work at the Blue Line's Kavi Subhash station around April. Simultaneously, the installation of a crucial rake-reversal point at the new southern terminus, Shahid Khudiram station, is slated to begin during the same period, according to senior officials.
Revised Timeline and Operational Challenges
The restoration initiative follows earlier announcements that had projected a start soon after Diwali 2025. However, Metro Railway general manager Subhransu Sekhar Mishra indicated in October last year that work would begin "as soon as possible, once the Chhath Puja celebrations are over." Highly placed sources within Metro Railway have now clarified that the crossover installation at Shahid Khudiram is a complex undertaking, aiming for completion within three months once initiated.
Authorities are proceeding with caution, having identified design flaws in the original Kavi Subhash station structure. While the design for the new station has been finalized and the contract awarded, officials emphasize the need to ensure foolproof design and construction through thorough reviews of certain aspects before commencement.
Background: Station Closure and Line Stress
The Blue Line, also known as the North-South corridor, has been under tremendous operational stress since the indefinite shutdown of the terminal New Garia (Kavi Subhash) station. The closure was necessitated after cracks were detected on the pillars supporting the platforms, leading to a slow demolition process that is still ongoing. Restoration efforts will only begin once the razing is fully completed.
Currently, the penultimate station, Shahid Khudiram, serves as the southern-end station. However, it lacks a crossover—a mandatory facility for any terminal station—forcing rakes to be driven to the dysfunctional Kavi Subhash station for reversal after passengers disembark at Shahid Khudiram.
Operational Adjustments and Safety Measures
This workaround has been adding 8-10 minutes to the rake reversal process, as metro authorities must adhere to stipulations set by the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS). The CRS mandate previously required that no passenger-laden train could depart Shahid Khudiram station until the preceding train had switched tracks for its Dakshineswar-bound journey, a precaution against risks on the sloping elevated tracks between the two stations.
In a temporary relief, the CRS recently relaxed this norm, allowing trains to turn around irrespective of the distance between them. This adjustment, effective since January 19, is based on the rationale that only empty trains are driven to the former terminus for reversal, thereby posing no immediate risk to passengers. The new system has considerably improved Blue Line frequency, offering some respite to commuters.
Weekend Blocks and Future Outlook
To facilitate the upcoming reconstruction and crossover installation, Metro Railway will require weekend blocks. Officials assure that these measures are essential to enhance the line's long-term reliability and safety. The planned improvements aim to address the structural deficiencies and operational inefficiencies that have plagued the southern segment of the Blue Line, promising a more robust and efficient metro service for Kolkata residents upon completion.
