Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP) of

the Kolkata East-West Metro Railway Project

Metro rail projects are vital for addressing urban transportation challenges by reducing
traffic congestion, lowering emissions, and enhancing mobility. However, they also pose
significant environmental and social risks during construction and operation. To address
these challenges, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental
Management Plan (EMP) are critical. This case study examines the EIA and EMP of the
Kolkata East-West Metro Project, focusing on the corridor from Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah
Maidan, and evaluates its environmental impacts and mitigation strategies.

The Kolkata East-West Metro Project is a transformative initiative aimed at alleviating traffic
congestion in one of India’s most densely populated cities. Spanning 16.6 kilometers, the
project includes elevated and underground sections connecting key hubs like Salt Lake
Sector V, Sealdah, and Howrah Maidan. While the metro promises to serve over 700,000
daily commuters and reduce travel time by 70%, its construction and operation have
introduced environmental and socio-economic challenges requiring robust management.

Air pollution emerged as a primary concern during the construction phase, particularly due
to dust from tunneling in Kolkata’s soft soil and emissions from heavy machinery. To mitigate
these impacts, the project employed water sprinkling systems, covered transport for
excavated soil, and advanced Earth Pressure Balancing Tunnel Boring Machines (EPB TBM) to
stabilize soil and minimize dust. Post-construction, the metro is expected to significantly
reduce vehicular emissions by shifting commuters to public transit, improving air quality in
congested areas like Burrabazar and Bowbazar.

Noise and vibration pollution posed risks to residential areas and heritage structures along
the alignment. Construction activities, especially pile-driving and tunneling near Bowbazar,
generated high noise levels, while operational vibrations threatened nearby historic
buildings. Mitigation measures included noise barriers, restricted nighttime work, and
vibration dampeners integrated into TBMs. Real-time monitoring systems were installed
near sensitive sites to ensure compliance with safety standards.

Water resource management was critical due to risks of groundwater depletion and
contamination from construction runoff. The project implemented silt traps and
sedimentation tanks at excavation sites to prevent contamination of water bodies like the
Hooghly River. Rainwater harvesting systems were incorporated into metro stations to
promote sustainable water use, while drainage designs ensured minimal disruption to
existing water networks.

Biodiversity and land use changes were inevitable, with 1,335 trees removed to
accommodate the alignment. To offset this loss, the EMP prioritized compensatory
afforestation, planting 6,900 trees in collaboration with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
Green spaces near stations, such as Howrah Maidan, were designed to restore urban
vegetation and enhance local biodiversity.

The socio-economic implications of the project were profound, particularly the displacement
of over 1,200 families and businesses in areas like Dattabad and Burrabazar. The EMP
addressed these challenges through comprehensive rehabilitation plans, including
resettlement housing on Lu San Sarani and commercial shops at Howrah Maidan. Public
consultations were conducted to address community concerns, ensuring fair compensation
and alternative livelihood support. Traffic management strategies, such as phased
construction and alternative routes, minimized disruptions for residents during the project’s
implementation.

A cornerstone of the EMP was environmental monitoring. Air and noise quality were
continuously tracked using sensors near construction sites, while groundwater levels were
monitored to prevent subsidence. Construction waste management included recycling
excavated soil for road embankments and scientific disposal of debris. Sustainable practices
like LED lighting, regenerative braking in trains, and plans for solar panels at the Central Park
Depot were integrated to reduce the project’s carbon footprint.

Worker health and safety were prioritized, given the risks of underground tunneling in
Kolkata’s challenging soil conditions. The use of EPB TBM and the New Austrian Tunneling
Method (NATM) ensured structural stability and minimized collapse risks. Safety protocols,
including mandatory PPE, emergency response drills, and regular health check-ups, were
enforced to protect workers during construction.

The project emphasized stakeholder engagement, with over 15 public consultations

In conclusion, the EIA and EMP for the Kolkata East-West Metro Project demonstrate a
structured approach to sustainable urban infrastructure. Despite challenges like land
acquisition delays, landslides, and cost overruns (₹7.64 billion due to route realignment), the
integration of advanced technology, community participation, and rigorous monitoring
underscores Kolkata’s commitment to balancing development with environmental
responsibility. By prioritizing reforestation, noise control, and equitable resettlement, the
project sets a precedent for future metro systems in densely populated cities, ensuring
ecological and social well-being alongside urban mobility.