Metro railway seeks land for Dakshineswar Platform Expansion

18 Jan 2024 CW Team

Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 4km extension from Noapara to Dakshineswar in February 2021, passengers bound for Dakshineswar, a crucial part of the North-South corridor and the primary link to the Central Business District, only have access to 172 services compared to the 288 available in the Kavi Subhas (New Garia)-Dum Dum stretch.

Furthermore, there are variations in train frequencies, with a six-minute interval for boarding at Dakshineswar, Baranagar, and Noapara Metro stations, and a five-minute interval for those boarding at Dum Dum and beyond.

Sankar Bhattacharya, a daily commuter from Dakshineswar Metro station, remarked, "But even this 6-minute frequency is only in the books."

Acknowledging the space constraints impacting efficiency in the Noapara-Dakshineswar section, the Metro GM stated, "Dakshineswar has a problem. There is no safety length beyond the station for trains to switch tracks."

Reddy informed that Metro Railway had presented a detailed plan to the state government approximately three months ago, outlining the land requirements for expanding the platform at Dakshineswar.

To address the issue, two Metro pillars need to be erected to appropriately position the buffer and create enough space for an eight-car rake to switch tracks.

"Immediately next to the station, we don't have any space. So, we have submitted a new layout. It will be a win-win situation for all concerned. We have provided a detailed plan that necessitates some modifications in and around the skywalk. However, roads will be widened, and passengers will have a better right of way to the train," Reddy explained.

He added, "We are in touch with the state to increase the platform length and will soon come up with a solution."

When asked about the contingency plan if the state government cannot provide the required land for the platform extension, the Metro General Manager responded, "We will be exploring other means."

The Metro Railway has formally requested land allocation from the state government to extend the platform length of Dakshineswar Metro station by 90 meters, according to Metro Railway General Manager P Uday Kumar Reddy. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 4km extension from Noapara to Dakshineswar in February 2021, passengers bound for Dakshineswar, a crucial part of the North-South corridor and the primary link to the Central Business District, only have access to 172 services compared to the 288 available in the Kavi Subhas (New Garia)-Dum Dum stretch. Furthermore, there are variations in train frequencies, with a six-minute interval for boarding at Dakshineswar, Baranagar, and Noapara Metro stations, and a five-minute interval for those boarding at Dum Dum and beyond. Sankar Bhattacharya, a daily commuter from Dakshineswar Metro station, remarked, But even this 6-minute frequency is only in the books. Acknowledging the space constraints impacting efficiency in the Noapara-Dakshineswar section, the Metro GM stated, Dakshineswar has a problem. There is no safety length beyond the station for trains to switch tracks. Reddy informed that Metro Railway had presented a detailed plan to the state government approximately three months ago, outlining the land requirements for expanding the platform at Dakshineswar. To address the issue, two Metro pillars need to be erected to appropriately position the buffer and create enough space for an eight-car rake to switch tracks. Immediately next to the station, we don't have any space. So, we have submitted a new layout. It will be a win-win situation for all concerned. We have provided a detailed plan that necessitates some modifications in and around the skywalk. However, roads will be widened, and passengers will have a better right of way to the train, Reddy explained. He added, We are in touch with the state to increase the platform length and will soon come up with a solution. When asked about the contingency plan if the state government cannot provide the required land for the platform extension, the Metro General Manager responded, We will be exploring other means.