In a massive setback for the West Bengal government, the Supreme Court today rebuked the state administration for creating “roadblocks” in the completion of the Kolkata Metro’s Orange Line. While hearing the state’s petition against a Calcutta High Court order, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi warned the state not to turn public infrastructure projects into political battlegrounds.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi made scathing observations, asking if the state was attempting to “use” the judicial process to stall development. The bench was particularly critical of the state’s argument that traffic diversions couldn’t be allowed due to festivals and upcoming elections. “Is a festival more important than a vital transport artery?” the court asked, adding that a democratically elected government should not be knocking on the court’s door to ignore public interest.

The dispute centers on a small but critical 366-meter stretch at the busy Chingrighata crossing on the EM Bypass. Despite the Calcutta High Court’s earlier mandate to provide night traffic blocks, the state had consistently delayed the process. The Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s directive and noted that this was a fit case for action against the Chief Secretary and DGP for dereliction of duty. Dismissing the state’s plea, the Apex Court ordered that the Metro Railway must be provided all necessary assistance to complete the pier construction at Chingrighata without further delay, prioritizing the convenience of common citizens over administrative excuses.