Kolkata has taken a measured yet significant step towards improving urban mobility with the launch of direct metro services linking the city’s airport station to its southern suburban edge. From Monday, Metro Railway has begun operating through-services between Jai Hind Bimanbandar station at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport and Shahid Khudiram station in New Garia, marking a new phase in Kolkata airport metro connectivity.
Introduced on an experimental basis, the initiative is aimed at easing journeys for air travellers and daily commuters by eliminating the need for interchange at Noapara, currently a critical but congested transfer point. The direct services operate on weekdays during one morning peak-hour window and one late-evening slot, reflecting travel patterns of early arrivals, late departures, and office-bound passengers. A senior metro official said the trial has been designed to test operational feasibility across two lines that were previously functioning independently. At present, the Yellow Line runs between Jai Hind Bimanbandar and Noapara, while the Blue Line connects Dakshineswar in the north to Shahid Khudiram in the south. Through-running trains now allow passengers to travel uninterrupted across these corridors via Noapara without changing platforms or trains.
For commuters, the impact is immediate. Travellers from the airport can now reach key commercial and residential hubs such as Esplanade, Kalighat and Tollygunge directly, saving both time and effort. Urban transport experts note that reducing interchanges is one of the most effective ways to increase public transport adoption, particularly for travellers carrying luggage or travelling during off-peak hours. Beyond convenience, the move reflects a broader shift in how Indian cities are rethinking airport access. Reliable metro connectivity reduces dependence on private cars and app-based taxis, cutting congestion and lowering per-capita transport emissions. While the trial is modest in scale, planners see it as an important step towards integrating fragmented metro corridors into a cohesive network.
Industry observers also point out that seamless airport metro connectivity has economic implications. Faster and predictable travel improves the city’s appeal to business travellers, boosts tourism confidence, and enhances workforce mobility across north-south corridors. If passenger response is positive, the service could be expanded in frequency and extended to weekends.The Kolkata airport metro link, though still in its testing phase, aligns with long-term goals of building inclusive, low-carbon urban transport systems. By prioritising public transit efficiency over road expansion, the city is gradually moving towards a more sustainable and commuter-centric mobility model one that balances operational caution with the everyday needs of its residents.
Kolkata Metro Launches Direct Airport Link Connecting Jai Hind Bimanbandar To Shahid Khudiram
