CM Mamata Banerjee Likely to Skip Inauguration of Kolkata Metro Projects by PM Modi

Kolkata, 18 August 2025: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is reportedly unlikely to attend the upcoming inauguration of three major metro stretches in Kolkata, scheduled for 22 August, which will be formally launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had extended an official invitation to the Chief Minister, asking her to join the ceremony at Jessore Road metro station. However, sources close to the state government suggest that Banerjee has decided not to participate, citing what she describes as policy-related reasons.

TMC insiders indicate that her absence is influenced by multiple factors. The party has repeatedly raised concerns about the treatment of Bengali-speaking communities in other states, and Banerjee is reportedly unwilling to appear alongside central leaders while these issues remain unresolved. Moreover, the metro lines set for inauguration were originally conceptualized and financed during her tenure as Union Railway Minister, leading the party to believe that the BJP is seeking to claim credit for long-pending projects just ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Past experiences with disruptions and disorder during central events are also said to have influenced her decision to stay away.

The inauguration will cover the Sealdah-Esplanade section of the Green Line, the Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby Crossing)-Beleghata stretch of the Orange Line, and the Noapara-Jai Hind (Airport) section of the Yellow Line. Once operational, India’s first underwater metro on the Green Line will run from Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V, and the city’s airport will finally be linked to the metro network.

While TMC leaders have criticized the timing of the event, suggesting it is politically motivated, state BJP president Samik Bhattacharya defended the move, stating that delays in 43 railway projects in Bengal were due to the state government’s non-cooperation. Railway Minister Vaishnaw also emphasized that the Centre has invested Rs 83,765 crore in the state’s rail infrastructure, highlighting the significance of the projects.