Kolkata: Construction works of Noapara- Barasat via Bimanbandar Metro extension Project has been going on smoothly and significant progress has been made despite the nationwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the first phase of 7 kms stretch, the work involved the construction of a viaduct and underground tunnel work of Bimanbandar Station (Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport).
Highlights of construction work:
- The construction work of Noapara – Barasat via Bimanbandar Extension Project has picked up pace in this lockdown as Metro officers and staff are working round the clock in order to complete the work at the earliest.
- Required number of labourers, plants and machinery have been deployed at the sites all the while following the strict Covid guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- Site offices, labour camps and site premises are sanitized on a regular basis and strict health monitoring of each worker is being done on a daily basis.
- Workers have been provided with face masks, hand sanitizers, soaps and hygiene equipment.
- In the lockdown period, approximately 2000 MT of Steel and 10,000 cubic metre of concrete have been consumed.
- This has generated indirect employment opportunities for approximately 500 labourers at this critical juncture.
Shri Manoj Joshi, General Manager, Metro Railway has expressed his satisfaction for this incredible progress made braving all odds like the unprecedented scenario of COVID-19 pandemic along with cyclone Amphan and torrential rain. He has instructed concerned officials to keep the momentum going in order to finish the work within the deadline.
Construction Of Underground Box Tunnel:
- Meanwhile, on Noapara to Bimanbandar stretch of Noapara-Barasat Metro extension project 7.036 km stretch, the work of RCC underground box tunnel below VIP Road to Airport (Gate No.1) is presently going on.
- For successful execution of this very important work, this road was required to be diverted.
- This road diversion work was accomplished on 21.08.2020-22.08.2020 night with the help of steel barricading and road blinker.
- This diversion will facilitate smooth execution of the tunneling work without hampering vehicular movement during night on VIP Road.
- This RCC box tunneling work is expected to be over within next two months.
- All possible safety precautions have been ensured during the diversion work.
Recent Progress – Smart Card Recharge App Launched:
- Few days ago, Metro authorities have developed a user friendly smart card recharge App amidst the lockdown.
- This new App will enable Metro commuters to recharge their smart cards from the comforts of their home and eliminate queues at Metro stations when services will resume after COVID-19 lockdown.
- This App will help Metro commuters to recharge their smart cards easily.
- It will also help to maintain social distancing in Metro premises.
- Users will be able to get information about train timings at various stations besides information about important historical and tourist places around different Metro stations from this App.
- Commuters will have to download this App from Google Play Store where it will be available within a few days.
- Useful information about different Metro stations, fares, expected travel time between stations, Metro route map will also be available in this App for commuters benefit.
- Corporate houses/business establishments will be able to display their advertisements in this App.
Source: Metro Railway Kolkata-Press Release
