Joka-BBD Bag slow pace irks Kolkata Metro GM

KOLKATA: Metro Railway general manager M C Chauhan has asked Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) to speed up construction of the Joka-BBD Bag stretch and seek his assistance wherever necessary to overcome hurdles. According to sources, Chauhan is not too pleased with the progress of the project and has insisted on carrying out regular inspections.
"The GM said he will not only inspect construction sites, but remain there for a few hours to see how work is progressing.There are some hurdles over land acquisition and Chauhan has assured RVNL that he will get the issues sorted. However, work along the stretches where there are no problems should progress fast. He has also made it clear that cost escalations won't be tolerated," an official said.
The foundation stone for the Rs 2,913.50 crore project was laid in 2010-11 by former President Pratibha Patil. Till January, 2016, only about Rs 500.25 crore or 17.17% has been spent. The overall physical progress has been about 35%.No new deadline has been set for completion of the project yet. Of late, the state has shown interest in quick completion of the network.
Earlier this year, chief minister Mamata Banerjee directed Kolkata mayor Sovan Chatterjee to clear hurdles wherever possible.
Even a section of RVNL officials admitted that progress has not been satisfactory since patches of land at various places are yet to be acquired.