SC: Mamata government hell-bent on impeding Kolkata Metro project

Supreme Court Rebukes State Government Over Metro Delays

In a strongly worded observation, the Supreme Court of India has accused the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government of being hell-bent on impeding the completion of the Kolkata Metro Orange Line project. The apex court bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, expressed frustration over the state's refusal to arrange necessary traffic diversions at the Chingrighata crossing on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. This crossing is crucial for installing segment blocks on the already erected Metro rail piers, a task pending since December last year. The court described the state's petition as "absolutely frivolous," highlighting an "obstinate attitude" that demonstrates a complete dereliction of duty and abdication of constitutional responsibilities as a welfare state.

The dispute stems from the Calcutta High Court's directive issued on December 23, 2025, which required the state to inform the Metro Railway by January 6, 2026, about three specific days or two consecutive weekends for traffic diversions to enable construction. Despite this clear order, the West Bengal government failed to comply, citing upcoming assembly elections and the model code of conduct. The Supreme Court dismissed these excuses, noting that trial runs had already been conducted in September and that simple arrangements could have been made on weekends much earlier. The bench emphasized that the Election Commission would not object to such essential work on a pre-existing project, urging the state not to use elections as a pretext to stall development.

Key Bottleneck at Chingrighata Crossing Halts Progress

At the heart of the controversy is a mere 366-meter incomplete stretch near the busy Chingrighata crossing, which is vital for linking the Metro line from New Garia to the airport and connecting south Kolkata to the IT hub in Sector V, Salt Lake. The executing agency, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited, sought a No-Objection Certificate from local police for temporary night-time traffic restrictions to finalize the overhead tracks. However, permissions were withheld, leading to a prolonged deadlock. The Calcutta High Court had set a deadline of February 15, 2026, for completion, but the state's inaction has pushed the project further back. The Supreme Court questioned what prevented compliance with the high court's directions over the past months, slamming the government for politicizing an issue that directly benefits Kolkata's commuters.

We find that West Bengal govt petition is absolutely frivolous, which exhibits the obstinate attitude of govt authorities, who are hell-bent to delay and stall completion of the metro railway project in Kolkata. This shows complete and deliberate dereliction of duty, and complete abdication of the constitutional responsibility of a welfare state. You are running away from responsibilities, and you have completely politicised the issue for no reason.

Broader Context and Political Tensions

This development unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing political sparring between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) government and the central authorities over credit for Kolkata's Metro expansions. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly highlighted her role as former Union Railways Minister in planning and sanctioning several Metro corridors, including those connecting Joka, Garia, the airport, and Sector V. She claims to have arranged funds, initiated works, and provided state support like free land and rehabilitation for displaced people during her tenure as chief minister. TMC leaders accuse the BJP-led central government of delaying inaugurations to claim credit ahead of the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.

Critics, however, point to historical delays attributed to state-level hurdles during Banerjee's time as Railways Minister, such as not allowing boring machines to operate from key stations like Sealdah and Howrah. The Supreme Court has now directed the Calcutta High Court to continue monitoring the project to ensure time-bound completion, refusing to grant the state extra time until May. The bench suggested that senior officials, including the chief secretary and DGP, should have faced action for non-compliance, noting the high court's previous leniency. This episode underscores the court's firm stance against politicizing infrastructure projects meant for public welfare.

The Kolkata Metro Orange Line is one of the city's most critical infrastructure initiatives, promising to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity across bustling urban areas. Delays not only inconvenience daily commuters but also inflate costs and erode public trust in governance. As the Supreme Court intervenes, pressure mounts on the state to prioritize development over political considerations. The ongoing monitoring by the high court is expected to expedite work at Chingrighata, potentially allowing the vital link to open soon. This case serves as a reminder that essential projects like Metro expansions must transcend partisan divides to serve the common good.

In summary, the Supreme Court has condemned the West Bengal government's delays in the Kolkata Metro Orange Line project as deliberate obstruction, urging swift action amid political crossfire over infrastructure credits. The focus remains on completing the Chingrighata stretch to benefit millions of residents.