kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, August 1: The West Bengal government has taken a major step regarding the Esplanade area, with notices being issued to more than 500 traders operating at Maidan Market. The traders have been asked to vacate the market within 25 days, with August 26 set as the deadline for shifting their shops.

Soon after assuming power, Chief Minister Shuvendu Adhikari had clearly stated that illegal occupation of government property and unauthorised constructions would not be tolerated under any circumstances. Following that policy, the state government has taken several measures in different areas, and now action has been initiated regarding the Esplanade market.

Officials have clarified that the move is not an eviction drive against the traders. The temporary relocation has been ordered due to the expansion work of the Esplanade Metro project. The decision has been taken by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) to facilitate construction work under the Joka–Esplanade Metro Corridor.

The project plan, the new Esplanade Metro Station will be constructed directly beneath Maidan Market. To carry out the construction work smoothly, notices have been issued to 528 traders operating in the market. The official notification states that all shops must be shifted by August 26 to allow the metro construction work to proceed.

Administrative sources said that arrangements are being made for the temporary rehabilitation of the traders at the Mounted Paddock ground of Kolkata Police. Necessary infrastructure facilities will be developed at the alternative location before the traders are shifted there.

The issue of relocating traders from Maidan Market for the construction of the Esplanade Metro Station has been a matter of dispute for a long time. The project had earlier faced political controversy, with disagreements emerging over the relocation process. However, after the change in the state government, efforts were made to resolve the issue, and finally, traders agreed to move temporarily for the development project.

The Public Works Department has now focused on completing the process of vacating the market within the scheduled timeframe so that the metro construction work can begin without further delay. Officials are taking steps to ensure that the relocation process is completed smoothly.

The Esplanade Metro project is considered a crucial part of Kolkata’s expanding metro network. Work on the Victoria Station has already started, and the tunnel boring machine has reached underground areas up to Victoria. With the construction work progressing, RVNL authorities are now keen to accelerate the metro station development at Esplanade.

The completion of this project is expected to improve connectivity between different parts of Kolkata and provide passengers with a more efficient transport system. The temporary shifting of traders is being carried out as part of the larger infrastructure development plan, while authorities are focusing on balancing the needs of both the metro project and the affected businesses.