The Kolkata Metro Railway has announced the opening of additional gates at various Metro stations to facilitate easier access for commuters during its experimental night services, starting from 24 June. This initiative, intended to last for around a month, aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of extended operational hours in meeting commuter needs.
During the initial phase of this experiment, the Metro authorities observed that passenger turnout at stations like Central, Esplanade, Park Street, Maidan, Netaji Bhavan, Jatin Das Park, Gitanjali, and Sahid Khudiram has been relatively low, averaging only 10 to 20 passengers per day.
In response to these findings, the city Metro office has implemented a strategy to enhance accessibility. At key stations such as Shyambazar, Sovabazar-Sutanuti, Chandni Chowk, Park Street, Rabindra Sadan, Netaji Bhavan, and Rabindra Sarobar, 50 percent of the entry and exit gates are now open during night services. This measure is aimed at ensuring quick and convenient access for commuters.
Additionally, at stations like Netaji, Masterda Surya Sen, Gitanjali, Kavi Nazrul, Sahid Khudiram, and Kavi Subhash, all gates remain open to accommodate the anticipated passenger flow. For high-traffic stations such as Dum Dum, Belgachia, Girish Park, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Maidan, and Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, more than 60 percent of the gates are operational, further streamlining passenger movement.
The Metro authorities have also released a detailed list of the gates that will remain open during the experimental night services. For instance, stations like Netaji, Masterda Surya Sen, Gitanjali, Kavi Nazrul, Sahid Khudiram, and Kavi Subhash will have all gates open. Conversely, Rabindra Sarobar station will keep only two gates operational.
This initiative also includes the opening of three gates at stations such as Kalighat and Jatin Das Park, among others. The comprehensive plan underscores the Metro authorities’ commitment to enhancing commuter convenience and assessing the potential demand for night services.
By opening more gates during night services, the Kolkata Metro aims to provide a seamless and efficient travel experience for its passengers. This initiative reflects the Metro’s proactive approach in adapting to commuter needs and exploring new operational strategies to improve public transportation in the city.
As the experimental phase progresses, the Metro authorities will continue to monitor passenger usage and gather feedback to inform future decisions regarding the permanent implementation of night services. The outcome of this trial will be pivotal in shaping the future operational framework of Kolkata’s Metro system.
