‘Chor, dakat rani’ barbs, shoes and mud hurled at Mamata Banerjee’s car

Kolkata’s Joka-Esplanade Metro, also known as the Purple Line, marked a major milestone on August 11, 2026, with the successful completion of its final tunnel breakthrough at Victoria Metro Station. The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) named ‘Divya’ achieved this feat around noon, bringing the project closer to full operation. This marks the culmination of years of planning and construction, despite numerous delays. The Joka-Esplanade Metro line, spanning approximately 8 kilometers between Joka and Majerhat, is one of the most anticipated projects in Kolkata's public transportation network. It forms part of the city’s broader metro expansion plan aimed at alleviating congestion and improving connectivity. The line is currently under construction along an elevated route above ground level, with tunnelling set to begin beyond the Park Street area using traditional cut-and-cover methods. The project initially commenced in 2011, but faced multiple setbacks including technical challenges, environmental concerns, and administrative delays. Two TBMs, ‘Durga’ and ‘Divya’, were deployed to construct the twin tunnels connecting Khidderpore to Park Street. TBM ‘Durga’ completed its section of the 1.75-kilometer tunnel between Kidderpore and Victoria in July 2025, paving the way for TBM ‘Divya’ to take over the remaining segment. The latter began operations in October 2025 and successfully reached the Victoria Metro Station on August 11, completing the second and final tunnel of the line. Prem Sagar Gupta, General Manager of the Metro Railway in Kolkata, praised the team behind the project, highlighting their dedication and efficiency. He noted that the tunnelling was carried out safely and systematically, ensuring minimal disruption to the bustling urban environment of Kolkata. The project team maintained high standards of quality and safety throughout the construction phase, even amid the dense population and active surface traffic in the area. Once fully operational, the Purple Line will significantly enhance the city’s metro network. Currently, the Blue and Green lines operate fully, while the Purple and Orange lines offer limited services due to ongoing construction delays. With the completion of the Joka-Esplanade line, Kolkata will see an expanded metro system capable of accommodating growing commuter demands. The entire project is projected to be completed by 2029, following the current pace of progress. Once operational, the Purple Line will connect key residential and commercial areas, offering residents faster and more reliable travel options. The line is expected to reduce reliance on private vehicles and contribute to the city’s efforts to improve air quality and reduce traffic congestion. Despite the recent milestone, the project has not been without controversy. In the weeks leading up to the tunnel breakthrough, political tensions in the region intensified. Protests erupted in parts of West Bengal, with some demonstrators targeting Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s vehicle. Slogans such as “Chor, chor” (meaning “thief, thief”) were shouted, and objects like shoes and mud were thrown at her car. These incidents reflect the complex socio-political landscape in the state, which continues to influence public discourse and infrastructure development. As the Joka-Esplanade Metro nears completion, attention will shift towards preparations for its official launch. Officials have indicated that the focus will now be on testing the system, addressing any remaining logistical issues, and ensuring smooth integration with existing metro lines. The success of this project could serve as a model for future urban transit developments in India.