Kolkata’s Raj Bhavan has granted approval for the 1.6 km underground extension of the Metro Purple Line from Esplanade to Eden Gardens, marking a rare instance of gubernatorial clearance for a metro survey.

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL), the project’s implementing agency, has completed the topographical survey essential for finalizing the route alignment. The proposed metro tracks will curve around the edge of the Governor House lawns, covering approximately 250 mtrs., before crossing over to the other side where Eden Gardens station—the corridor’s fifth underground stop—is planned.

RVNL plans to reuse the same tunnel boring machines (TBMs), Durga and Divya, currently engaged in the 1.7 km Kidderpore-Victoria Memorial section. The 640-meter stretch from Park Street to Esplanade will follow the cut-and-cover method, while TBMs will be redeployed for the 1.6 km Eden Gardens drive. This section has no overhead obstructions, facilitating smoother execution.