A joint venture of the Centre and the state, the Rs 4,874-crore project would help connect Kolkata and Howrah through a tunnel under the Bhagirathi.

Six months ago, the state Transport department had sought permission from the Railways to dig land for constructing the station near the banks of Bhagirathi, some 30-odd ft beneath platform numbers 15 and 16 of the Howrah station. Even as several letters have been sent to the Railways, the reply is awaited, it is learnt.

“If work is not started now, it will cause us immense loss and the project cost will also escalate,” said a Transport department official.

The official also claimed that posters had appeared on the walls of shops and houses of Bowbazar, urging residents not to give up their lands for the project.

“If this project is also stalled, it will be a matter of shame for the state,” the official said.

Minister for Transport Ranjit Kundu said: “If the Railways continue with this kind of attitude, it will be a disaster for the state. I will urge the Chief Minister to take up the issue with the Centre and, if needed, even talk to Mamata Banejee to get the roadblock cleared.”