City’s two crucial Metro projects are expected to see light at the end of the tunnel after the allocation in Union Budget 2023. The Metro corridors, including Joka-BBD Bagh via Majerhat and Dum Dum Airport-New Garia via Rajarhat are expected to get fresh allocation in the Union Budget in the field of ‘green fund.’
Both the Metro projects have partially been completed while work in full swing is on in the remaining part after overcoming hurdles. Commercial services along the 6.5km metro stretch, between Joka and Taratala which is a truncated part of the Joka-BBD Bagh via Majerhat project are being operated. The truncated stretch of 5.4km Metro corridor between New Garia and Ruby is awaiting a clearance from the commissioner of railway safety for final commissioning.
According to sources, the state is expected to get an allocation of over Rs 12,000 crore, under the ‘sovereign green funds’ in the latest budget announced. As informed by sources, allocations are likely to be received specifically for the two projects. However, as the pink book is yet to be received, the fact is yet to be confirmed.
Notably, Joka-BBD Bagh via Majerhat and Dum Dum Airport-New Garia via Rajarhat had received Rs 350 crore, each in the Union Budget 2022-2023. The major gainer in last year’s Union Budget was the East-West Metro that had received Rs 1,100 crore. However, the project was plagued with two mishaps of subsidence at Bowbazar last year.