Kolkata Metro has announced an apprenticeship recruitment programme for the 2026–27 training cycle, offering 128 positions across key technical trades. The initiative, aimed at strengthening the operational backbone of India’s oldest metro system, reflects a broader push to align urban transport expansion with skilled workforce development, an essential component of sustainable and inclusive city-building.
According to an official notification, the recruitment drive will cover trades such as fitter, electrician, machinist and welder, with the largest share allocated to fitter roles. Applications will be accepted through an online process beginning later this month and closing in January 2026. Officials said the programme is designed to create a steady pipeline of trained personnel capable of supporting the metro’s growing maintenance and infrastructure needs.Urban transport experts note that apprenticeship programmes play a critical role in ensuring long-term resilience of public transit systems. “Metro networks are asset-heavy and technically complex. Investing in structured skill development improves safety, service reliability and lifecycle efficiency,” an industry expert said. For a city like Kolkata, where metro rail is central to low-carbon mobility, workforce preparedness is increasingly seen as a strategic priority.
Eligibility criteria require applicants to have completed secondary education under the 10+2 system with minimum qualifying marks, along with certified vocational training in the relevant trade. The age threshold ensures participation from young candidates, while statutory relaxations aim to make the process more inclusive for socially disadvantaged groups and women. No application fee is required for reserved categories, reinforcing access equity. Selection will be merit-based, calculated through academic performance in both school-level examinations and technical training certifications. Officials said this approach balances foundational education with hands-on vocational competence, ensuring that selected apprentices are capable of meeting operational standards from the outset.
Beyond individual employment opportunities, the recruitment drive carries wider implications for urban development. Skilled apprentices contribute directly to system efficiency, helping reduce breakdowns, energy waste and service disruptions. Over time, this translates into more reliable public transport, lower operational emissions and improved commuter confidence all key pillars of sustainable urban mobility.Policy analysts also point out that structured apprenticeships strengthen the link between education and employment, particularly in cities facing youth underemployment.
By embedding training within essential urban infrastructure, programmes such as this help cities grow in a manner that is economically productive and socially balanced. As Kolkata continues to expand its metro network to meet rising demand, investments in human capital are expected to be as important as investments in steel and concrete. The apprenticeship programme signals a recognition that future-ready cities depend not only on infrastructure expansion, but on inclusive skill-building that supports long-term urban resilience.
Kolkata Metro Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Opens For 128 Technical Posts Online
