CMRS approves Kolkata Metro's Joka-Taratala corridor for commercial operations

Kolkata, India (Metro Rail Today): The Commissioner of Metro Railway Safety (CMRS) has given their approval to Indian Railways for commencing commercial operations of metro trains on the 6.5 kilometers long Joka-Taratala Metro corridor of Kolkata Metro. This stretch has six stations, including Joka, Thakurpukur, Sakherbazar, Behala Chowrasta, Behala Bazar, and Taratala.

"The mandatory clearance from the CRS had been obtained before starting the operation on the route. Following trial runs on the stretch since September, the CRS inspection was held on November 10, said Arun Arora, General Manager, Metro Railway Kolkata.

The date of commencement of commercial operations has not been decided yet. Initially, one train will commence the journey on this stretch. Work is underway for the remaining part of the line, which will eventually connect Esplanade at the heart of the city to the southwestern suburbs.

“Another gift to the citizens of Kolkata! Joka - Taratala section (6.5 km) of Metro Railway, Kolkata is ready for commercial operations after CRS Inspection. 6 stations ready for commissioning are - Joka, Thakurpukur, Sakher Bazar, Behala Chowrasta, Behala Bazar & Taratala,” twitted Ministry of Railways.

At Esplanade, the Joka Line will meet the North-South corridor and the East-West Metro, according to the plan. In Joka to Esplanade purple line, a total length of 9.2 kilometers viaduct has been completed from the ramp of Joka depot to the start of Majerhat station.

A total of Rs 2,477.25 crore expenditure by Indian Railways has been incurred to accomplish this project out of which Rs 635 crore has been spent to set up the Metro Car Depot at Joka. In addition, the first phase of the Kavi Subhash to Airport Metro project (Orange Line) from Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay, which stretches over 5.4 kilometers is also likely to be inaugurated soon.

The metro officials have also applied for CMRS inspection of the 5.4km New Garis-Ruby metro section.