Kolkata Metro has taken a significant step in modernising its network by introducing a Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA) communication system, designed to minimise service disruptions and improve passenger safety across the city’s busiest corridors. The system has been launched on the Blue and Yellow Lines, where uninterrupted communication between train operators, station staff and the central control room is vital, particularly for the stretches running deep underground.
Officials described the initiative as a technological milestone for the city’s oldest Metro network. The system allows instant, interference-free communication, enabling faster response times during emergencies and ensuring smoother operations. By strengthening communication channels, authorities aim to reinforce both safety and efficiency, aligning Kolkata Metro with global standards of urban transport management. One of the most pressing challenges faced by the Blue Line has been the recurring incidents of suicides and attempts, which have often led to delays and service interruptions. Although the TETRA system does not physically prevent such incidents, it ensures that rescue and recovery can be coordinated rapidly, thereby reducing downtime and limiting inconvenience to thousands of daily commuters. This forms part of a broader safety strategy, complementing existing measures such as awareness campaigns, helpline displays and increased staff vigilance.
Newer Metro corridors in Kolkata, such as the Green Line, are already equipped with Platform Screen Doors (PSDs), offering a physical barrier that prevents track intrusions. However, the age and design of the Blue Line make retrofitting PSDs both costly and technically challenging. The communication upgrade, therefore, is seen as an essential and practical step in enhancing the operational resilience of the older routes. The rollout also extends beyond the Blue and Yellow Lines. Metro authorities confirmed that the TETRA network is being integrated with the systems already in place on the Purple and Orange Lines, creating a seamless communication framework across four of the city’s key corridors. The centralised control structure will ensure consistent safety standards across the network, preparing Kolkata Metro for further expansion in the years ahead.
The project, implemented with modern equipment including handheld radios and cab units, is expected to deliver long-term benefits for both passengers and staff. Experts emphasise that the focus on safety and efficiency is critical as Indian cities expand their urban mobility infrastructure to meet rising commuter demand. While challenges such as preventing suicides and managing crowded peak hours remain, Kolkata Metro’s decision to invest in advanced communication technologies highlights a commitment to creating a safer, smarter and more sustainable transit system. In a city where millions rely on the Metro daily, such measures can not only restore confidence in public transport but also set a benchmark for other urban rail networks in India.
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