Kolkata Metro: SC Pulls Up Bengal Govt for Creating 'Roadblocks', Says 'Don't Politicise Everything'
23 March 2026 4:37 PM IST23 March 2026 4:37 PM IST
A bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, which dismissed a plea of the state government, asked the Calcutta High Court to monitor the construction of the project
The counsel for the state government said the project cannot proceed as roads will be blocked for the construction, through which ambulances and emergency vehicles traverse. (PTI)
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Monday criticised the West Bengal government for delays in the construction of a Kolkata Metro corridor and directed the Calcutta High Court to continue monitoring the project.
A three-judge Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi dismissed the State government’s plea seeking additional time to complete the work.
The court said the State was creating obstacles in a project meant for public benefit. “We must not politicise everything. This is a developmental issue. It is a facility for the common man. Don't create roadblocks,” the Chief Justice said.
The Bench observed that the High Court had already granted sufficient time and questioned the State’s delay since the order dated December 23, 2025. It rejected arguments citing the model code of conduct and ongoing examinations.
Justice Bagchi said the project, initiated before the enforcement of the model code, should not be stalled. He also noted that the Election Commission would not object to continuation of such work.
The State government had argued that construction would disrupt traffic and affect movement of emergency services, and sought time till May. The court declined the request.
“This merely exhibits the obstinate attitude of the authorities, wherein they want to delay and stall the Metro rail project in Kolkata,” the court said, upholding the High Court’s directions.
Earlier, the High Court had directed completion of work at the Chingrighata crossing on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass by February 15, 2026, and asked State authorities to coordinate traffic blocks for the purpose.
The apex court said the project should be completed in a time-bound manner.
The court said the State was creating obstacles in a project meant for public benefit. “We must not politicise everything. This is a developmental issue. It is a facility for the common man. Don't create roadblocks,” the Chief Justice said.
The Bench observed that the High Court had already granted sufficient time and questioned the State’s delay since the order dated December 23, 2025. It rejected arguments citing the model code of conduct and ongoing examinations.
Justice Bagchi said the project, initiated before the enforcement of the model code, should not be stalled. He also noted that the Election Commission would not object to continuation of such work.
The State government had argued that construction would disrupt traffic and affect movement of emergency services, and sought time till May. The court declined the request.
“This merely exhibits the obstinate attitude of the authorities, wherein they want to delay and stall the Metro rail project in Kolkata,” the court said, upholding the High Court’s directions.
Earlier, the High Court had directed completion of work at the Chingrighata crossing on the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass by February 15, 2026, and asked State authorities to coordinate traffic blocks for the purpose.
The apex court said the project should be completed in a time-bound manner.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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