Five clubs and one riding school in the Maidan area, some of them more than 100 years old, have to be shifted from Maidan area to make way for the construction of the underground Joka-Esplanade Metro corridor. 

The five traditional clubs are Calcutta Police Club, Calcutta Kennels Club, Rajasthan Club, Kalighat Club, and Kidderpore Sporting Club. 

The century-old Kidderpore SC which gifted several Indian international footballers had to shift its club tent from Maidan once before when the Kolkata Metro was being constructed 39 years ago. 

One of the senior club executives, Amitava Biswas when asked about the issue, said, "We had to shift our club tent from Maidan for around three years that time. This time again, we have received the notice from Metro Railway. The instruction has to be obeyed. But it will be extremely hazardous, shifting again from Maidan area, especially for our canteen where a lot of people including the footballers of different teams that take part in the ongoing CFL." 

The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the implementing agency of the project, has already requested the clubs to vacate the sites so that work can start within a month. Some of the clubs have sought alternate land parcels from the army and the state government for temporary relocation. 

The army is the custodian of Maidan and all clubs have to renew their lease every year to continue their operations. However, it is learned that the army might allow Kidderpore SC to find a temporary place for the installation of its club tent near Town Club. 

Kalighat Club, on the contrary, will only have its ground out of bounds from September and it will continue for around two years. Kalighat Club started in 1928. The RVNL has reportedly assured Rajasthan Club also of another place.