Summary:
The state is, however, persuading some big land holders to part with their land for smoother implementation of the depot construction.Not only depot land, but also station construction sites face some serious encroachment issues. So far, only 65% of 24.5 hectare depot land spreading across five moujas in Joka has been obtained.“Unless we have the physical possession of 75% of the project land, we cannot call tender,” said RVNL officer. Earlier, RVNL invited bids and eventually cancelled it because of the revised mandate of the Railways Board. This is why Bengal government came forward replenishing Rs 16 crore as viability gap funding against RVNL’s offer of Rs 1.1 lakh per cottah to farmers. KOLKATA: The Joka-Esplanade metro, which has made significant progress on the elevated stretch, is still suffering because of non-availability of required land for its depot and stations.The stretch faces an uncertain future with the railway minister Piyush Goyal reiterating the acquisition of 75% land is necessary before receiving a nod for the construction of the Joka depot..