The ambitious Purple Line Metro Corridor project, connecting Joka to Esplanade, continues to make significant strides in Kolkata’s ever-expanding metro network. With the Joka–Taratala segment having been inaugurated on December 30, 2022, and the Majherhat Metro station nearing completion, the construction work for the Majerhat to Esplanade section of the Purple Line is now in full swing.
The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the executing agency for this project, has set an aggressive target of completing this phase within the next 48 months. Once this section is operational, commuting from the southwestern parts of Kolkata, including Taratala, Behala, Thakurpukur, and Joka, to Central Kolkata will become significantly smoother and more convenient.
One of the most exciting developments within this expansion is the construction of the underground Victoria Metro station, situated adjacent to the iconic Victoria Memorial Hall, a beloved landmark in the “City of Joy.” Victoria Station is slated to be one of the four underground stations on the Purple Line. Upon its completion, residents from various parts of the city will have easy access to this iconic monument.
Furthermore, the station will provide convenient access to two other renowned structures, the M.P. Birla Planetarium, known as Taramandal, and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Additionally, it will serve as an alternative gateway to several cultural landmarks, including Rabindra Sadan, Nandan, the Academy of Fine Arts, Nehru Children’s Museum, and the prestigious PG Hospital (IPGMER & SSKM Hospital). Furthermore, residents from across the city and its suburbs will be able to visit the Brigade Parade Ground, fondly known as ‘Garer Maath,’ and enjoy leisurely afternoons and evenings in the serene surroundings, said Metro Rail Chief Public Relations Officer Kausik Mitra
The recent launch of construction activities for Victoria Station by RVNL marks a significant step forward. RVNL has commenced barricading approximately 5,000 square meters of space for the underground station’s construction. To facilitate this, the iconic Fountain of Joy at Kolkata Maidan will be temporarily dismantled and later restored upon project completion.
Additionally, several trees will be carefully transplanted to accommodate the construction. Presently, RVNL engineers are in the initial stages of mobilization, with around 30 weeks of preparatory work anticipated before the construction phase begins in earnest. Victoria station will be constructed using the Cut and Cover method, and M/s Larsen and Toubro Ltd. will be involved in its development. The station will feature a 325-meter-long diaphragm wall upon completion.
AdvtIn an effort to assess the potential vibration levels during both construction and operation, a Vibration Impact Study has been conducted for the Metro Railway. Following the study’s findings, the project has received a No Objection Certificate from the Victoria Memorial Hall Authority.
Moreover, measures are being implemented to mitigate air and noise pollution, particularly in the Maidan area, during the station’s construction. These measures aim to ensure the preservation of the aesthetic appeal of Victoria and its surroundings throughout the project’s duration.
