- By Nidhi Giri
- Sun, 07 Jul 2024 04:27 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Kolkata News: The state’s Public Works Department has approved Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) plan for the Esplanade Metro station. Notably, the construction of the Purple line's terminal station cannot begin until the Ministry Of Defence (MoD) gives its approval to the revised proposal. Earlier this year, RVNL proposed relocating BC Roy Market to allow for the terminal station at Esplanade. The Army oversees Maidan, where a significant part of the Purple line's underground section will run. In March, the MoD denied permission to move the "unauthorised" market to Curzon Park, above the East- West Metro's Esplanade station.
RVNL had already started inviting tenders for the market's relocation. The land where the Green line's Esplanade station stands also belongs to the Army. Attempts to contact MoD officials were unsuccessful, according to a Times of India.
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RVNL and L&T contractors have been preparing for the Purple line's terminal station for the past two months. This station will connect with the Blue and Green lines at Esplanade. They have built a new area at Shahid Minar grounds for Kolkata Police's Mounted Police horses, allowing stalls for BC Roy Market traders inside the existing Kolkata Mounted Police grounds.
RVNL has long had permission to use this site for a 300m x 25m Esplanade Metro station, pending MOD approval to move the paddock to Shahid Minar grounds, also Army property. Recently, the Army approved the use of Shahid Minar for the paddock.
"RVNL is waiting for MoD approval on the revised Esplanade station proposal," said a Railway official. An Eastern Command official mentioned: "RVNL needs to submit relevant documents for the revised proposal."
