The Kolkata Metro has proposed extending the Joka-Esplanade Purple Line by 1.6 km to Eden Gardens, offering enhanced connectivity for daily commuters and sports enthusiasts visiting the Strand Road, Babughat, Calcutta High Court, and BBD Bag areas. Passengers will benefit from easier access to the city’s transit network via the planned Eden Gardens metro station.
According to Metro Railway sources, the proposal has been sent to the Railway Board for approval. Previously, the plan involved linking Eden Gardens to Esplanade through a long subway. Instead, the proposed underground station near Eden Gardens’ Gate No. 1, adjacent to the Mohun Bagan football ground, will serve as the new terminal for the Purple Line.
Currently, the Purple Line operates an 8-km elevated section between Joka and Majerhat, while the 5-km stretch from Mominpur to Esplanade is underground with four stations: Khidderpore, Victoria, Park Street, and Esplanade. If approved, the underground crossover point will shift closer to Strand Road, potentially saving trees near Manohar Das Tarag.
Plans for a mega Metro hub at Esplanade, featuring a commercial plaza and underground parking, remain unchanged. Officials note the Eden Gardens extension will enhance metro access to key locations like Millennium Park and Strand Road, benefiting the 7.5 lakh passengers the Metro already ferries daily.
Metro authorities believe this extension will be a more efficient alternative to the earlier subway plan, providing direct transport access instead of a long underground walk for Eden Gardens visitors.
