STN: The Kolkata Metro Purple Line has reached another stage in its underground construction work. TBM Divya has completed a 1.72 km tunnel drive from Khidderpore to the upcoming Victoria Metro station.
The Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) reached Victoria on Tuesday after completing the second tunnel on this section of the Joka-Esplanade corridor. The work adds to the progress of the underground section between Khidderpore and Victoria.
The latest breakthrough also means that both tunnels between Khidderpore and Victoria have now been completed. TBM Durga had completed the first tunnel on the same section on July 10, 2026.
Kolkata Metro Purple Line completes second tunnel
TBM Divya started its tunnelling work on October 11, 2025. It then moved underground from Khidderpore towards Victoria.
The machine covered about 1.72 km before reaching the Victoria Metro station site. The completed tunnel will form one of the two tracks between the two stations.
The first tunnel on this section was completed by TBM Durga in July. With the second tunnel now completed, construction teams have finished the twin tunnel drives between Khidderpore and Victoria.
According to Metro Railway, the work was carried out while maintaining safety and quality requirements. The construction team also worked to keep surface traffic and other activities in the area running during the tunnelling work.
TBM Divya: Key details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tunnel length | About 1.72 km |
| Tunnelling started | October 11, 2025 |
| Tunnel boring machine | TBM Divya |
| TBM diameter | About 6.60 metres |
| TBM length | About 95 metres |
| TBM weight | About 600 tonnes |
| Tunnel lining | M50-grade precast concrete segments |
| Tunnel section | Khidderpore to Victoria |
How TBM Divya worked on the Kolkata Metro Purple Line
Underground construction in Kolkata has to deal with soft ground and groundwater. These conditions can make tunnel construction difficult.
TBM Divya was used to carry out the tunnel work in these conditions. The machine moved through the ground while tunnel lining was installed behind it.
The tunnel uses M50-grade precast concrete segments. These segments are placed to form the tunnel lining as the work progresses.
The use of a TBM also allows the tunnelling work to take place below the surface. This helps reduce the need for large-scale excavation on busy roads and areas above the tunnel.
Metro Railway said the project team focused on safety during the work. The team also worked to limit the effect of construction on surface traffic and regular activities.
Kolkata Metro Purple Line underground work continues
The Joka-Esplanade corridor is being developed to extend Metro connectivity from south Kolkata towards the central part of the city.
The Purple Line includes stations such as Joka, Thakurpukur, Sakher Bazar, Behala Chowrasta, Behala Bazar, Taratala, Majherhat, Mominpur, Khidderpore, Victoria, Park Street and Esplanade. Metro Railway’s published station information lists Victoria between Khidderpore and Park Street on the corridor.
The completion of the two tunnel drives between Khidderpore and Victoria is an important part of the underground construction work.
Work will continue on other parts of the underground section. Construction teams will also carry out the work needed to prepare the completed tunnels and stations for future operations.
What the Victoria breakthrough means for the project
The completion of the Khidderpore-Victoria tunnel drives removes one major part of the underground tunnelling work on this section.
The two tunnels will provide the space needed for Metro trains to run in both directions once the corridor becomes operational.
Victoria is also an important station on the planned route towards the central part of Kolkata. The corridor will continue from Victoria towards Park Street and Esplanade.
The official Metro Railway station list places Esplanade at the end of the currently listed Purple Line corridor, with Victoria and Park Street located between Khidderpore and Esplanade.
For the construction teams, the completion of both tunnel drives provides the next stage for other underground works.
Construction team focuses on safety
Metro Railway General Manager Prem Sagar Gupta highlighted the work carried out by the project team.
The team focused on safety and quality during the tunnelling operation. It also worked to ensure that construction did not stop normal activities on the surface.
The latest breakthrough is therefore not only about the completion of another tunnel. It also marks progress in the construction of the underground section of the Joka-Esplanade corridor.
FAQs about Kolkata Metro Purple Line
A: The Purple Line is the Joka-Esplanade Metro corridor in Kolkata. Metro Railway’s published station information lists 12 stations on the corridor, from Joka to Esplanade.
A: The listed stations are Joka, Thakurpukur, Sakher Bazar, Behala Chowrasta, Behala Bazar, Taratala, Majherhat, Mominpur, Khidderpore, Victoria, Park Street and Esplanade.
A: Metro Railway’s technical information for the Joka-Taratala section lists the gauge as 1,673 mm broad gauge.
A: The published Metro Railway technical information lists a 750-volt DC third-rail traction system for the Joka-Taratala section.
A: TBM Divya completed a tunnel drive of about 1.72 km between Khidderpore and Victoria.
A: TBM Divya started its tunnelling drive on October 11, 2025.
A: Two tunnels have now been completed between Khidderpore and Victoria. TBM Durga completed the first tunnel, while TBM Divya completed the second.
A: The project will move ahead with other underground construction and related works. The completed tunnels will also need further work before the section can be prepared for Metro operations.
The completion of TBM Divya’s drive gives the Kolkata Metro Purple Line another step forward as work continues on the Joka-Esplanade corridor.
