Nepal Approves Land Swap to Facilitate Kolkata Metro Purple Line Project

October 10, 2025

Kathmandu: Nepal’s Minister for Communication and Information Technology and government spokesperson Jagadish Kharel announced on Friday that the cabinet has approved the swap of 409.53 square metres of land owned by the Nepal Consulate with 526.34 square metres owned by the IRDC.

According to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two plots are adjacent, making the exchange convenient. A senior official noted that the arrangement benefits both sides: India can proceed with its critical metro infrastructure, while Nepal gains a larger plot nearby. The official added that the IRDC will also construct a larger and improved facility on the land Nepal will receive.

The land swap addresses a long-standing concern for the Indian side, as the metro alignment passes through land owned by the Nepal Consulate. Discussions between the two sides reportedly took place in July 2025. Approximately 60 metres of the Purple Line’s 450-metre ramp will be constructed adjacent to the current consulate premises.

Enhancing Kolkata Connectivity

The Joka–Esplanade corridor, known as the Purple Line, is one of Kolkata Metro’s newest projects. It aims to improve connectivity in southern Kolkata and strengthen links to central business districts, supporting the city’s growing urban transit needs.