Kolkata’s Joka-Esplanade Metro tunneling done, breakthrough ceremony of TBM ‘Durga’ held

In a major milestone for Metro Railway, Kolkata, the Joka-Esplanade Metro Corridor witnessed an important development as a breakthrough ceremony of the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Durga’ was organized on Friday, marking the steady pace at which the city’s urban transport system is transforming.

Tunnel Boring Machine or TBM is the prime technological equipment required for modern underground tunnel construction. With the successful breakthrough of ‘Durga’, one of the most difficult stages of the project has now been completed, and the remaining section is expected to be ready at a fast pace.

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The construction work of the Joka-Esplanade Metro Corridor (Purple Line) is ongoing over a long period, with the section from Majerhat to Esplanade still under development.

জোকা মেট্রো প্রকল্পে বড় সাফল্য, ব্রেকথ্রু ‘দুর্গা’-র#KolkataMetro #JokaEsplanade #Infrastructure pic.twitter.com/Fc6CHuWud4

— Dainik Statesman (@StatesmanDainik) July 10, 2026

While the initial Joka-Taratala stretch started on December 30, 2022, the line was later extended to Majerhat on March 6, 2024.

According to sources, the construction of the underground tunnel from Khidirpur to Park Street is complex and heavily dependent on technology.

Sources from Metro Railway further indicated that the tunnel construction work on the section from Khidirpur to Park Street officially started on July 10, 2025.

In a significant milestone related to the construction of the underground section of that stretch, TBM ‘Durga’ has successfully completed the designated tunnel route and reached the breakthrough stage.

According to Metro Rail, Kolkata the breakthrough ceremony was organised to commemorate this significant achievement. The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries including top officials of Metro Rail, engineers, and the representatives of construction companies.

The operation of the Joka-Esplanade Metro route will ease connectivity between south and central Kolkata, reducing traffic congestion.