The Union Budget for the current fiscal year has had mixed effects on the ongoing metro projects in Kolkata. While funding for two projects has been reduced, one project has seen a significant increase compared to the previous year.

The Union Budget for the current fiscal year has had mixed effects on the ongoing metro projects in Kolkata. While funding for two projects has been reduced, one project has seen a significant increase compared to the previous year.

The Dumdum Airport-Kavi Subhash (New Garia) via Rajarhat Metro project has received the largest allocation. According to a statement by Metro Railway, Rs 1 7.91 billion has been allocated for this line, which is a significant increase from the Rs 12 billion allocated the previous year.

Currently, commercial services are operating from Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay on this line. Metro officials expect the Hemanta Mukhopadhyay to Beleghata stretch to begin soon as the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety has already conducted an inspection of this section.

In contrast, the Noapara-Barasat and Joka-Esplanade metro projects have faced significant cuts. The Noapara-Barasat metro corridor via Bimanbandar has been allocated Rs 2 billion this year, a sharp drop from the Rs 6.2 billion allocated the previous year. Similarly, the Joka-Esplanade metro project has been allocated Rs 12.08 billion in the current fiscal year, down from the Rs 13.50 billion allocated in the 2023-24 budget.

The Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety has already inspected the Noapara to Dumdum Cantonment section of the Noapara-Barasat corridor and metro services on this section are expected to commence shortly. In addition, commercial services from Joka to Majerhat have already commenced on the Joka-Esplanade corridor, with construction work underway to extend services beyond Majerhat.

In addition, necessary funds have been allocated for the final section of the East-West Metro tunnel works between Esplanade and Sealdah, which is 800 metres long.