Kolkata Metro's Joka-Esplanade Line Completes Final Tunnel Section
The Joka-Esplanade Metro line in Kolkata has completed its final tunnel breakthrough at Victoria Metro Station. This marks a significant step for the long-delayed Purple line, which is expected to be fully operational by 2029.
Key takeaways
- The Joka-Esplanade Metro line in Kolkata has successfully completed its final tunnel segment at Victoria Metro Station.
- TBM ‘Divya’ achieved the breakthrough on August 11, 2026, marking the end of tunneling work for this line.
- The project, which began in 2011, has faced several delays and is now expected to be fully operational by 2029.
- The completed line is part of Kolkata's Purple Metro line and aims to improve the city's public transport system.
The Joka-Esplanade Metro line in Kolkata has achieved a crucial milestone with the completion of its final tunnel breakthrough. The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) named ‘Divya’ successfully completed its work at Victoria Metro Station on August 11, 2026, concluding the tunneling phase for this section of the Purple line.
What Happened
Tunneling operations for the Joka-Esplanade Metro line concluded on August 11, 2026, when TBM ‘Divya’ broke through at Victoria Metro Station. This event signifies the completion of the second and final tunnel for this route. Approximately one month prior, on July 10, 2026, TBM ‘Durga’ had completed the first tunnel at the same station. The construction utilized two TBMs for twin tube tunnels between Khidderpore and Park Street, with the remaining sections to be built using the Cut & Cover method. TBM ‘Durga’ began boring its 1.75 km tunnel in July 2025, followed by TBM ‘Divya’ in October 2025.
Background
Construction on the Joka-Esplanade Metro line, part of Kolkata’s Purple line, commenced in 2011 and has experienced numerous delays. The line aims to integrate further into the city’s public transportation network. Currently, the Purple line operates on an 8km elevated stretch between Joka and Majerhat stations. Other lines, such as the Blue and Green lines, are fully operational, while the Purple and Orange lines have limited services due to ongoing construction.
Key Facts
- The final tunnel breakthrough for the Joka-Esplanade Metro line occurred at Victoria Metro Station on August 11, 2026.
- TBM ‘Divya’ completed this final tunnel segment.
- TBM ‘Durga’ completed the first tunnel at Victoria Metro Station on July 10, 2026.
- TBM ‘Durga’ began boring its tunnel in July 2025, and TBM ‘Divya’ started in October 2025.
- The entire Joka-Esplanade Metro project is anticipated to be operational by 2029.
- Prem Sagar Gupta, General Manager of Metro Railway, Kolkata, acknowledged the project personnel’s commitment.
What Happens Next
With the tunneling complete, the Joka-Esplanade Metro line is projected to become fully operational in 2029. This expansion is intended to enhance public transportation within West Bengal’s capital city.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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