Kolkata, the city that introduced Metro services to India, is now entering a new era of connectivity. Soon, with openings and augmentation of three new lines, nearly 9.15 lakh passengers can travel by Kolkata Metro every day. This change is being powered by 366 new Metro train services across three sections, designed to provide faster and more regular travel.
On 22 August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate three new stretches of the Metro network — the 2.45 km Esplanade to Sealdah section of the Green Line, the 6.77 km Noapara to Jai Hind Airport section of the Yellow Line and the 4.4 km Hemanta Mukhopadhyay to Beleghata section of the Orange Line. He will also flag off three Metro trains on these lines.
The Green Line will see the biggest benefit with services increasing to 186. The Orange Line will now run 60 services while the Yellow Line will operate 120. With more trains running, waiting times will come down and overcrowding will ease.
Green Line – Esplanade to Sealdah (2.45 km)
This stretch will be a huge relief for the city. Today it takes 40 to 45 minutes by road to travel between Howrah and Sealdah, two of the busiest railway terminals. With the Metro, the journey will now take only 11 minutes. For lakhs of daily commuters, this time-saving will feel like a blessing.
Yellow Line – Noapara to Jai Hind Airport (6.77 km)
Getting to the airport will now be quicker and more comfortable. Domestic and international passengers, airline staff and airport workers will all benefit from a fast, safe and convenient ride. With an interchange at Dum Dum Cantonment, passengers will also get direct connectivity to the rest of the city and major railway stations. The journey from Esplanade to the airport will take only 30 minutes.
Orange Line – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay to Beleghata (4.4 km)
This extension connects Science City, hospitals, schools and business hubs. Passenger numbers here are expected to double. The journey from Beleghata to Kavi Subhash will now take only 32 minutes, making travel between South and East Kolkata much easier.
These new Metro lines will not only benefit Kolkata but also passengers from North 24 Parganas and South 24 Parganas. Journeys that earlier took hours will now be completed in minutes, making travel across the city faster, easier and smoother than ever before.
***
