RVNL, the executing agency of the Joka-BBD Bag Metro Corridor project in West Bengal, has started the ground work in the Maidan area for the 16.72 km long project, which was sanctioned at an anticipated cost of ₹2619.02 crore by the state CM Mamata Banerjee in 2010, when she was the Railway Minister. RVNL had already completed construction of six stations from Joka to Taratala that includes Joka, Thakurpukur, Sakherbazar, Behala Chowrasta, Behala Bazar and Taratala stations, said an official spokesperson. The rest of the underground stretch will have five stations – Kidderpore, Victoria, Park Street, Esplanade and BBD Bag. The land, identified between Victoria Memorial and Maidan area, will be used to build the underground stations and out-gates. While the areas on the Maidan have been barricaded for preliminary work ahead of the main soil testing exercise, the Joka- BBD Bag Corridor is expected to be completed by mid 2022. Meanwhile, RVNL has proposed temporary shifting of the Bidhan market (popularly known as Maidan market) from Esplanade, to facilitate work for the ongoing Joka–BBD Bagh metro corridor project. Temporary shifting of a handful of clubs located in and around Maidan area and draining water from Manohar Das Tarag (water body) located nearby has also been proposed by the project executing agency.
