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The newly completed structure forms an essential link stretching from Beleghata toward Salt Lake Sector V and the airport corridor, reinforcing the long-delayed expansion of the city’s metro infrastructure. The construction work had remained stalled for several years due to repeated traffic blockade permission denials under the previous state administration, resulting in substantial financial losses, including idle cost accumulation of approximately Rs 5.4 crore as of April 2025.
The project regained momentum following a series of legal and administrative developments. In March 2026, the Supreme Court Supreme Court of India intervened, issuing directives that facilitated the resumption of work after prolonged delays. Subsequent court orders further accelerated on-ground execution.
Following the formation of a new state government after the assembly elections in April–May 2026, Suvendu Adhikari Suvendu Adhikari assumed office as Chief Minister on May 9, triggering renewed administrative cooperation with project authorities. With state support in place, the second intensive 60-hour construction phase conducted between May 22 and May 25 was completed ahead of schedule, enabling swift progress on the corridor.
The development is expected to significantly advance the Orange Line extension toward Sector V by December 2026 and further enable full airport connectivity by 2027. Once operational, the expanded corridor is projected to reduce travel time across key urban nodes to under one hour, substantially improving commuter efficiency across Kolkata.
This milestone underscores a decisive acceleration in one of the city’s most strategically important infrastructure projects, reinforcing long-term urban mobility transformation and regional connectivity enhancement.
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