The Kolkata Metro Railway has launched special late-night services on the Blue Line, commencing today. This initiative, introduced on an experimental basis, aims to provide commuters with increased convenience and flexibility during nighttime hours.
The new services will operate in both directions, departing from Kavi Subhash and Dum Dum stations at 11 PM, Monday through Friday. According to Metro authorities, these trains will make stops at all stations along the route, ensuring accessibility for passengers across the network. To facilitate this, one ticket counter at each station will remain open during these late hours to issue tokens and smart cards, thereby ensuring seamless travel for night-time commuters.
This strategic extension of service hours is expected to benefit a wide range of passengers, from late-working professionals to night-time revellers, who previously faced limited public transportation options after 10 PM. The initiative reflects the Kolkata Metro’s commitment to adapting to the evolving needs of its urban commuters and enhancing the overall efficiency of the city’s public transportation system.
In a related development, the Kolkata Metro received a significant boost with the arrival of the highly anticipated Dalian rakes from China on 23 May. The second batch of these advanced coaches was offloaded at Netaji Subhash Dock, part of the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port. The shipment included 16 Metro rail coaches, each weighing 48 tons, which were transported via the vessel MV Bosi 58. This ship, measuring 116.99 meters in length with a gross tonnage of 8,621 and a breadth of 19.6 meters, arrived on 22 May. The introduction of these state-of-the-art Dalian coaches is set to enhance the Kolkata Metro’s operational capacity and passenger comfort. These new rakes are expected to alleviate congestion during peak hours and provide a more reliable and efficient service. The procurement of these modern coaches underscores the Metro’s ongoing efforts to upgrade its infrastructure and deliver a superior commuting experience.
As Kolkata continues to grow and evolve, the Metro’s initiatives to extend service hours and modernise its fleet are critical steps toward building a more robust and resilient urban transport system. By addressing the demands of a burgeoning population and dynamic urban landscape, the Kolkata Metro is positioning itself as a pivotal component of the city’s development trajectory. This blend of extended service and modern infrastructure promises to reshape the future of urban transit in Kolkata, catering to the needs of its diverse commuter base.