Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday alleged that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal has delayed key infrastructure projects, particularly the expansion of the Kolkata Metro, and termed the state administration “anti-development.”
Addressing a press briefing, Vaishnaw claimed that several Metro corridors in Kolkata have faced repeated hurdles due to lack of cooperation from the state government. He alleged that issues related to land acquisition, permissions, and administrative clearances have slowed down the pace of work, affecting timelines and increasing project costs.
The minister emphasised that the central government has been consistently pushing for faster completion of Metro projects in the city, which are seen as crucial for easing traffic congestion and improving urban mobility. He added that despite financial support and policy backing from the Centre, progress has not been satisfactory due to what he described as “deliberate obstruction.”
Vaishnaw further stated that the delay in Metro expansion is impacting lakhs of daily commuters who rely on public transport. He argued that timely completion of these projects would significantly reduce travel time and boost economic activity in and around Kolkata.
In response, leaders from the Trinamool Congress rejected the allegations, accusing the Centre of politicising development issues. They maintained that the state government has been cooperating and that delays, if any, are due to technical challenges and coordination issues involving multiple agencies.
The political exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the Centre and the state government over infrastructure development in West Bengal. With several major Metro corridors still under construction, including extensions aimed at connecting suburban areas, the debate over responsibility for delays continues to intensify.
The Kolkata Metro expansion is considered a key urban project for the region, and its timely execution remains critical for improving the city’s transport network.
