Kolkata Metro has conducted the first trial run between Beleghata and IT Centre on the Orange Line, marking progress on a section that had remained delayed because of construction-related complications at Chingrighata. The trial was carried out on Saturday, with a rake operated by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the construction agency working on the corridor.
According to Metro authorities, the trial run on the Beleghata-IT Centre stretch was completed successfully. The next stage will involve trial activities for the Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system, a signalling and train-control technology used to manage train movements and improve operational coordination.
The Orange Line is planned to connect Kavi Subhash with Jai Hind Airport. The Beleghata section was extended up to the station in August last year, but the remaining portion towards IT Centre could not be opened at that time. Beleghata station is located near the Metropolitan crossing on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass.
Work on the corridor had been held up around Chingrighata junction, where construction requirements were linked to restrictions on road traffic. The issue led to repeated disagreements between Metro authorities and the state government during the previous administration. The matter later reached court, according to the report by Anandabazar – Kolkata.
The completion of work at Chingrighata has now allowed construction activity on the affected section to move forward. The site was a significant interface between the Metro project and one of Kolkata’s important road junctions, making coordination between transport construction and surface traffic management necessary for the work to proceed.
The trial run does not yet mean that passenger services have begun on the Beleghata-IT Centre stretch. Metro authorities have indicated that services on the section may start soon, but no specific opening date has been announced. Before regular operations can begin, the corridor will have to proceed through the planned CBTC trials and other operational steps required by the Metro system.
The development brings the Orange Line closer to extending beyond Beleghata towards the city’s eastern employment and technology corridor. For commuters, the eventual opening of the section would add a further Metro connection towards IT Centre, although the timing of passenger operations remains dependent on the completion of testing and the authorities’ final decision.
The immediate next milestone is the start of the CBTC trial activities on the Beleghata-IT Centre section. Metro authorities have not announced a confirmed date for the beginning of regular passenger services.
