Kolkata Metro has introduced QR-code ticketing at 12 stations and added Paytm as a booking option ahead of Durga Puja, giving commuters more ways to avoid ticket-counter queues during Kolkata’s busiest travel period. The new facilities will allow passengers to buy tickets by scanning QR-code stickers at selected stations without downloading an additional app, while Paytm users can book journeys between any two stations.
The QR-code facility will initially be available at Esplanade, Dum Dum, Dakshineswar, Rabindra Sarobar, Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, Kalighat, Howrah, Sealdah, Sovabazar-Sutanuti, Salt Lake Sector V and Dum Dum Cantonment, according to Metro Railway. The facility is expected to be extended to other stations across the network in the coming days.
Passengers will also be able to purchase Metro tickets through the Paytm app. The option will operate alongside the existing AAMAR KOLKATA METRO app, giving commuters multiple digital channels for ticket booking before they enter the system.
The changes are timed to coincide with Durga Puja, when Kolkata sees a sharp increase in movement as residents and visitors travel between neighbourhoods, railway stations, transport hubs and pandal areas. Metro services are expected to remain a key mode of travel during the festival because they connect several high-demand destinations while avoiding road congestion.
Kolkata Metro has also announced special operating arrangements across its Blue, Green, Purple, Yellow and Orange lines from October 15 to 21. The Blue and Green lines will run overnight during Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, from October 17 to 20, although service timings and train frequencies will vary by corridor and festival day.
On October 15 and 16, the Blue Line will operate 284 services between 6 am and 11 pm, with trains scheduled every six minutes during peak hours. From October 17 to 20, it will run 248 services from 1 pm until 4 am the following morning, also maintaining a six-minute peak-hour frequency. On Dashami, October 21, the line will operate 140 services from 1 pm to 10.30 pm, with trains every eight minutes during peak hours.
The Green Line will operate 240 services between Howrah Maidan and Salt Lake Sector V on October 15 and 16, with six-minute peak-hour intervals. From October 17 to 20, it will run 192 services from 1.30 pm until nearly 4 am the next day, with eight-minute peak-hour intervals. On Dashami, 74 services will operate between 1.30 pm and 10.30 pm, with a 15-minute interval.
The Yellow Line will run 120 services on October 15 and 16, followed by 72 daily services from October 17 to 20 and 62 services on Dashami. The Purple Line will operate 84 services daily on October 15 and 16, reducing to 38 services daily from October 17 to 21. The Orange Line will run 62 services on October 15 and 16 but will have no services from October 17 to 21.
Last year, Kolkata Metro also offered unlimited rides to Tourist Smart Card holders during the festive period. The cards were priced at Rs 250 for three days and Rs 550 for five days and were available at Metro booking counters.
