Kolkata: After completing the viaduct work of the Orange Line at the Chingrighata crossing, Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) has now received the go-ahead for constructing a foot overbridge (FOB) to connect both sides of the nearby Beleghata metro station. Traffic restrictions will be enforced for 45 days starting June 1.
Long-pending approval for FOB
The No-Objection Certificate (NoC) for a partial blockage of the middle section of the E M Bypass at Metropolitan to set up the FOB has been pending for over three years. Several traffic trial runs were conducted during this period. Now, after a concrete segment — the FOB's middle support between the north and south flanks — is built, RVNL can launch structures on either side and complete the FOB to provide access to Beleghata metro station from the eastern side of the Bypass.
PM Modi flagged off extension without FOB
In August last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had to flag off the Orange Line's 4.5-km extension from Ruby (Hemanta Mukherjee station) to Metropolitan without this crucial access. The Times of India reported on April 5, 2025, "Metro station ready but foot overbridge stares at risky road crossing."
Two years ago, considering the delay in obtaining permissions to build the FOB, the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) issued the mandatory safety nod for operations, pointing out the urgent need to build the bridge.
Residents' concerns
Minati Sen, a resident of an apartment in Metropolitan, said, "It is difficult to negotiate speeding cars, especially for the elderly and kids, while crossing the Bypass. But we have to since access to the metro station is missing from our side of the road."
Traffic management plan
From May 31, traffic will be controlled on the Science City-bound flank. Cars heading towards Ruby will use the Bailey bridge just before the metro station, proceed along the service road, cross Mathpukur, and enter the Bypass. Police officials believe the slip road will be sufficient to handle the pressure of buses. There is an option for cars passing through the stretch during peak hours.
"The signal timings will be adjusted, and signages will be put up so that motorists can be diverted through Phoolbagan, CIT Road, and Canal Road. Extra personnel will be deployed," said an officer. Vehicles going towards Ultadanga will continue moving normally until work on the Science City-bound flank is completed.
Orange Line expansion
The Orange Line currently runs 8 km from New Garia to Metropolitan and will eventually link New Garia and the airport across 32 km.
