Rival Parties Jostle for Credit Over Kolkata Metro Expansion

Rapid Summary

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new metro links in Kolkata on August 22, 2025.
• The projects aim to enhance connectivity within the Kolkata metropolitan area across regions like Joka, Garia, Airport, and Sector V.
• West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee highlighted her role in planning and sanctioning these metro lines during her tenure as Railways Minister.
• BJP Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari countered Banerjee’s claims, accusing inefficiencies and delays under her governance while emphasizing PM Modi’s contribution to timely execution.
• the CPI(M) also asserted credit for initiating the ₹4,874.58 Crore East-West Metro Corridor during their rule in 2009.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The inauguration of three metro lines reflects significant steps toward improving urban mobility and infrastructure in Kolkata.while the event itself represents progress for the city’s transportation network with future benefits for commuters and businesses, it has become a platform for political contestation among major parties. This rivalry highlights competing narratives over credit-sharing: whether past groundwork by previous governments or current leadership deserves greater recognition.

From an administrative outlook,prosperous project completion demonstrates coordination across multiple agencies over different timelines-a demanding feat in large-scale urban projects. However, as connectivity improves due to enhanced infrastructure spending (₹4,874+ Cr), robust collaboration remains essential to handle initiatives efficiently without unnecessary delays or politicization. Beyond party lines, such investments offer tangible long-term growth opportunities critical for populous cities like Kolkata.

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