Bengal govt issues notices to traders to vacate Kolkata's Maidan Market for metro project
Kolkata, Aug 1
The state government has asked more than 500 traders at Maidan Market in central Kolkata to vacate the premises, as the market will have to be demolished to construct an underground metro station for the Joka-BBD Bag Metro project.
A senior government official said on Saturday that the Public Works Department has ordered the traders to vacate the Maidan Market by August 26.
However, the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has asked the government not to evict the traders, but to temporarily move the market for the expansion of the Esplanade Metro.
A major step has been taken as the construction of the Esplanade Metro Station for the Joka-BBD Bag Metro Corridor has progressed. As planned, the Esplanade Metro Station will be built just below Maidan Market.
Therefore, notices have been served to 528 traders in the market for this project. The notification mentions that the traders will have to shift their shops by August 26.
According to administrative sources, arrangements are being made for the temporary rehabilitation of traders at the Mounted Paddock ground of the Kolkata Police. The traders will be relocated after the necessary infrastructure is created.
It is worth noting that there has been long-standing tension over the relocation of traders due to the construction of this metro station. After the change of government in the state, this complication started to subside. It has been learned that the traders of Maidan Market have agreed to relocate.
The Public Works Department has emphasised the need to vacate the market within the stipulated time to start the project work.
Construction work for Victoria Station has already started. The tunnel boring machine has reached the ground up to Victoria Memorial in the Maidan area. In this situation, the Rail Vikas Nigam Limited authorities are eager to start the work of the Esplanade Metro quickly.
The project is slated to be completed by May 2028.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I understand the need for metro expansion but Maidan Market is a landmark. The footfall there is huge and these traders contribute to the local economy. I hope the relief measures are as smooth as they claim. 🙏
At least they got notices and a proper timeline. Unlike other projects where people find out last minute. Good that RVNL suggested relocation instead of eviction. Business continuity matters. Metro by 2028 sounds far though, let's see if they meet that deadline.
The traders have agreed to relocate which is a positive sign. But this "temporary" at the police ground worries me. Kolkata has seen too many "temporary" arrangements become permanent. I hope the authorities keep their word and help them return or settle properly.
Metro expansion is essential but the government should prioritize minimal disruption to small businesses. These traders are the backbone of such local markets. Hope the compensation is fair and they're given proper alternate space to continue their livelihoods.
Just another example of how development happens at the cost of small vendors. The metro will definitely help thousands of commuters but what about these traders? A police ground is not a market! I really hope the authorities think this through more carefully.
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