Date of inauguration: August 22, 2025
Kolkata Metro’s new network was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through three significant metro corridors. This new service expanded the network by 13.61 km and to a total length of approximately 74 km.
Green Line: Sealdah – Esplanade (2.45 km)
This stretch bridges two of the city’s busiest railway terminals — Sealdah and Esplanade — dramatically reducing travel time from nearly 40–50 minutes to just 11 minutes.
Weekdays (Mon–Sat):
First train: 06:30 AM from Howrah Maidan; 06:32 AM from Salt Lake Sector V
Last train: 09:45 PM from Howrah Maidan; 09:47 PM from Salt Lake Sector V
Frequency: every 8 minutes
Sundays:
First train: 09:00 AM from Howrah Maidan; 09:02 AM from Salt Lake Sector V
Last train: 09:45 PM from Salt Lake Sector V; 09:47 PM from Howrah Maidan
Yellow Line: Noapara – Jai Hind (Airport) (6.77 km)
For the first time in Kolkata’s history, the Kolkata metro connects directly to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. This airport link cuts journey times substantially — from over one-and-a-half hours by road to just 30 minutes.
Weekdays (Mon–Fri):
First train: 07:58 AM from Noapara and from Jai Hind Bimanbandar
Last train: 08:00 PM from both ends
Frequency: every 10–15 minutes
No service on Saturdays and Sundays
Orange Line: Beleghata – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (4.39 km)
This new section improves linkages to IT hubs, educational institutions, and Science City. It elevates convenience for office-goers and students, especially those commuting from suburban areas.
Weekdays (Mon–Fri):
First service: 08:00 AM from both Kavi Subhash and Beleghata
Last service: 08:05 PM from both ends
Frequency: every 25 minutes
No service on Saturdays and Sundays
Quick Overview: Compare the New Kolkata Metro Sections
| Metro Line | Section | Length (km) | Key Benefit |
| Green Line | Sealdah – Esplanade | 2.45 | Travel time cut to 11 minutes |
| Yellow Line | Noapara – Jai Hind (Airport) | 6.77 | First direct airport connectivity |
| Orange Line | Beleghata – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay | 4.39 | Better access to IT hub, institutions |
Full Network Growth & Commencement
Post-inauguration, the Kolkata Metro now stretches around 74 km.
Additionally:
- A new subway at Howrah Metro Station was also inaugurated to strengthen multimodal integration.
- The launch of Kolkata metro added 366 new services daily, increasing capacity to approximately 9.15 lakh passengers.
What the Inauguration Signifies for Commuters
Speed, Comfort & Accessibility
Time-saving: Drastically reduced travel times revitalize daily commutes.
Airport connectivity: The Yellow Line now offers a fast, reliable option for flyers, replacing traffic-congested and expensive road journeys.
Convenience & Integration
Ease of transfers: Seamless links between major railway stations cut down multiple-mode complexity.
Mobility for students, professionals, and residents: Particularly impactful for those in the Salt Lake IT hub and EM Bypass corridor.
Surging Demand & Operational Challenges
Overcrowding: Stations like Sector V saw footfall grow from 12,000 to over 40,000. Esplanade continues to experience pressure despite service enhancements.
Operational adjustments: Blue Line added 22 trips and reduced headways during peak hours (from every 6 to 5 minutes), but congestion persists.
Guidelines for Commuters: Make Your Metro Journey Smooth
Plan ahead: Avoid peak hours where possible to ease your commute.
Use contactless smart cards: Accepted across all metro lines, these offer seamless transfers.
Leverage digital tools: The Amar Kolkata Metro app provides real-time updates on ticket counters, train statuses, and crowded stations.
Stay alert and patient: At overcrowded hubs like Esplanade and Sector V, don’t rush—allow space for boarding and alighting safely.
Assist others: Share platforms courteously, especially at interchanges like Noapara where large crowds converge.
The Broader Vision: Metro Modernization & Urban Impact
Prime Minister Modi highlighted how the Kolkata metro network has grown from 250 km in 2014 to over 1,000 km today—a transformative rise that reflects India’s infrastructure ambitions.
For Kolkata, these new sections come as a “historic gift before Durga Puja”, providing much-needed relief and convenience for festival traffic and beyond.
Moreover, civic voices like interior designer Shruti Pathak, who campaigned for the East-West Metro extension, welcomed the inauguration as a real civic win: “Finally,” she said, her relentless social-media advocacy had paid off.
Final Thoughts
The inauguration of these three Kolkata metro lines on August 22, 2025 marks a new chapter in Kolkata’s transit story—a leap toward efficiency, connectivity, and ease. While operational pressures are evident, the long-term vision aims for a more fluid, less congested metropolis. For daily commuters, festival travellers, IT professionals, and airport-bound passengers alike, Kolkata Metro expansion unlocks a faster, smarter way to move.
