In a groundbreaking development set to revolutionize Kolkata’s metro connectivity, the Joka-Taratala Metro line is all set to extend to Majerhat.
Having said that, commuters can expect trains running at 10-minute intervals instead of the long 40-minute waits they’ve endured. The Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) is on a mission to equip the entire 8.5km stretch with cutting-edge signaling systems, paving the way for multi-rake operations on both lines, effectively bidding adieu to the current single rake, single-line operation.
Siemens has already begun the transformation, upgrading the 6.5km Joka-Taratala stretch with a state-of-the-art electronic interlocking (EI) signaling system.
Besides this, they will start installing EI in the brand-new 2km Taratala-Majerhat section in November. It’s a much-needed change because the Purple Line (Joka-Esplanade Metro) has had a tough time with low ridership due to only one train running every 40 minutes and a lack of signals. Only 24 trains were running daily, making commuting an arduous task.
However, RVNL responded swiftly by fast-tracking the 2km extension to Majerhat, where the Metro station will soon offer a convenient interchange with the railway station. Metro Railway’s General Manager, P Uday Kumar Reddy, has promised the city a pre-puja gift with the launch of the Majerhat Metro station.
While RVNL, the implementing agency for the 14km Joka-Esplanade corridor, worked tirelessly to meet the deadline, several hurdles, including encroachment issues, slowed the progress.
The site was finally freed in late August, marking the start of work for the fourth entrance to the Majerhat station.
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