Metro Railway in Kolkata Seeks Land for Platform Extension

Metro Railway in Kolkata has approached the state government to secure additional land for extending the platform at Dakshineswar Metro station by 90 meters, as confirmed by Metro Railway General Manager P Uday Kumar Reddy on Friday.

While Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 4km elevated extension from Noapara to Dakshineswar in February 2021, passengers bound for Dakshineswar have faced limitations compared to the Kavi Subhas (New Garia)-Dum Dum stretch. The Dakshineswar section receives 172 services, while the Kavi Subhas-Dum Dum stretch offers 288 services. Frequencies also differ, with a six-minute wait at Dakshineswar, Baranagar, and Noapara, and a five-minute wait for those traveling from Dum Dum and beyond.

Metro Railway General Manager Reddy acknowledged the efficiency challenges in the Noapara-Dakshineswar section due to space constraints. He stated that the platform extension at Dakshineswar required a detailed plan submitted to the state government about three months ago.

To accommodate an eight-car rake and address the space constraints, the plan involves erecting two Metro pillars to facilitate proper buffer placement and track-switching capabilities. The proposed expansion plan may require some modification around the skywalk, but it aims to improve passenger access to trains and enhance overall efficiency.

Reddy emphasized ongoing communication with the state government to obtain the necessary land for platform extension at Dakshineswar and expressed optimism in finding a mutually beneficial solution. In case the state government faces challenges in providing the required land, alternative solutions will be explored by Metro Railway.

ET