The long-delayed Joka-Esplanade metro in Kolkata has seen a breakthrough as the final lap of tunneling work was completed on Tuesday (August 11, 2026). This is the second and final tunnel in this line, the previous one had reached completion on July 10. 

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The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) ‘Divya’ successfully achieved breakthrough at Victoria Metro Station around Tuesday (August 11) noon. Just a month back, TBM ‘Durga’ had already achieved breakthrough for the first tunnel at the same station. 

Two TBMs are being used for construction of twin tube tunnels from Khidderpore to Park Street, beyond which tunnelling will be done by conventional Cut & Cover method. 

The Joka-Esplanade metro is the Purple line, and once completely operational, it will help add to the network of metro lines in the city, improving the public transport system of West Bengal’s capital. Currently, the Blue and Green metro lines in Kolkata are completely operational, and the Purple and Orange lines have truncated services due to delay in construction work and unfinished lines. 

Speaking on the occasion of TBM Divya’s final tunnel drilling process, Prem Sagar Gupta, General Manager, Metro Railway, Kolkata, appreciated the commitment and teamwork of the project personnel who ensured safe, systematic and efficient tunnelling while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety, without disturbing the surface traffic and normal activities in this densely populated part of the city. 

The initial construction work for this line started in 2011 and has seen several delays and obstructions during the construction work. 

TBM Durga started boring the 1.75 km tunnel between Kidderpore and Victoria in July 2025, and TBM Divya started the work on October 2025. 

The Purple line is currently working on an 8km stretch above the surface between Joka and Majerhat stations. The entire project is expected to be operational in 2029.