• Source:JND
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Kolkata Metro: The extension of the Purple Line metro corridor is set to include a new station at IIM-Calcutta, with construction by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) commencing soon. This 1.7 km extension from Joka to IIM-Calcutta was proposed approximately a year ago, and the bidding process for the project has now begun. Once completed, the Purple Line will stretch 18 km from IIM-Joka to Eden Gardens.

RVNL, which is responsible for implementing much of the city's metro infrastructure, plans to build a viaduct and an elevated metro station about 100 metres past the IIM-Calcutta campus along DH Road. The institute is located roughly 20 km from Howrah station, 18 km from Sealdah station, and around 35 km from the airport.

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The Times Of India report cited Saibal Chattopadhyay, the director-in-charge at IIM-Calcutta as stating that, "The metro line's extension to our campus is splendid news. This was an unspoken wish for many at IIM-C and beyond. The Joka station is around 2 km away, and the Purple Line has great connectivity potential."

Originally, the Purple Line was designed to cover 14.1 km, linking Joka with Esplanade, where it would connect with the North-South and East-West metro lines. Although the length has increased, it will still integrate into the much-anticipated Esplanade Metro hub.

The TOI report quoted Metro Railway officials as stating that the extension will significantly improve accessibility to the premier business school. "Travellers from the airport will be able to reach IIM-Calcutta via the upcoming Airport-Noapara line, transferring to the North-South line at Noapara and then using the Esplanade interchange to board the Purple Line," an official explained. "This development benefits not only IIM but also the surrounding community."

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Officials confirmed that the IIM-Joka station will be designed with provisions for future extensions, pending feasibility studies and funding availability. The railway ministry has already approved the detailed project report and instructed RVNL to invite tenders for the construction.

The northern extension of the Purple Line will extend 1.6 km beyond Esplanade to Eden Gardens, resulting in an 18 km corridor with 14 stations, running parallel to the North-South corridor.