New Delhi (THND): Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, declined the Railways’ appeal for land to extend a metro line. She firmly stated that she would never authorize the destruction of the skywalk that links the renowned Dakshineswar temple to the station.
In November of last year, the Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL) sent a letter to the state government requesting permission to remove and relocate certain existing structural utilities, including sections of the skywalk, in order to extend the metro viaduct beyond the Daksineswar station. The station was completed and put into operation in 2021.
During a press conference, Chief Minister Banerjee stated, “They discuss religion and have previously accused me of prohibiting the celebration of Durga Puja in the state.” Presently, there is a desire to dismantle the Dakshineswar skywalk. This encapsulates their inherent essence. However, I want to emphasize unequivocally that I will never permit the elimination of that edifice. I will not permit anyone to make physical contact with it.
“The Dakshineswar Skywalk is a project that I am deeply passionate about, and I am committed to protecting it with all my efforts as long as I am alive.” We are prepared to collaborate with the railway industry. “However, if they attempt to destroy our cultural legacy, I will not permit it,” she appended.
The Chief Minister of Bengal also mentioned the Railway’s request for land at the Alipore Body Guard Lines for the Joka-Esplanade Metro project.
According to the THND report, CM Banerjee stated that although the railways sent a letter to the state government on November 20, she only became aware of it recently through a news article. She instructed officials to swiftly notify her of such letters in the future.
The RVNL submitted the plan to the state government in response to a request from the Metro Railway Kolkata. The request was for an extension of the viaduct to ensure sufficient signal overlap, which would enhance the efficiency of train operations between Dum Dum and Dakshineswar on the North-South line.
