Kolkata is poised to witness a major milestone in its public transportation infrastructure with the East-West Metro line expected to commence its full 16.6-kilometre operation by March 2025. The Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC), the agency spearheading the project, confirmed this timeline in a recent announcement.
KMRC’s Managing Director, who is also the Principal Chief Engineer of Metro Railway, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s progress. “We are aiming for a March 2025 launch,” he stated, highlighting the significance of the project which includes India’s pioneering under-river rail section, spanning 4.8 kilometres from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan. This ambitious endeavour, which will complete the East-West Metro line, is set to bridge the city’s key transport corridors.
The East-West Metro, often referred to as the Green Line, is currently operational in two separate segments: a 9.4-kilometre stretch between Sector V and Sealdah in the east, and a 4.8-kilometre segment from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan in the west. However, the crucial 2.5-kilometre section connecting Sealdah to Esplanade remains incomplete. The project has faced several challenges, particularly in the subsidence-prone Bowbazar area. Recent updates indicate that the last cross passage has been completed, although three other planned passages have been replaced with a passenger evacuation shaft due to technical difficulties. The Managing Director plans to inspect the under-construction Esplanade-Sealdah stretch to assess progress firsthand.
Despite earlier announcements projecting a full operational launch by October this year, recent assessments suggest that safety concerns and technical complexities, including the management of the porous soil in Bowbazar, necessitate a revised completion date. “Safety remains our top priority,” he noted, underscoring that the project’s final phase will be closely monitored to ensure its successful and timely completion. The East-West Metro line is expected to significantly enhance Kolkata’s transport network, reducing travel time across the city and offering a modern transit solution to its residents. The March 2025 target underscores the commitment to delivering a robust and efficient metro system for the city.
