Kolkata is poised to witness a pivotal upgrade to its metro network as the Bowbazar segment of the East–West Corridor is expected to open for commercial services on Friday, July 18, 2025. The inauguration may coincide with Prime Minister Modi’s scheduled visit, effectively closing the missing 2.5 km link and delivering seamless metro connectivity from Howrah Maidan to Sealdah and beyond.
Metro officials confirm that both the Esplanade–Sealdah section and the Bowbazar stretch have cleared rigorous testing protocols. The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) granted clearance for commercial operations in April, removing regulatory hurdles and enabling a full corridor rollout. The East–West Metro—dubbed Kolkata’s Green Line—stretches 16.5 km from Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V. Operational since March 2024 in truncated segments, the missing Bowbazar section prevented direct metro travel across the city’s east-west axis. With this link activated, commuters can enjoy end-to-end service without changing trains.
Projected travel times will see significant reductions: Howrah to Sealdah in just 20 minutes, and the full corridor to Salt Lake by 35–40 minutes—far more efficient than surface transport. The entire journey will cost a flat ₹30, presenting a compelling low-carbon alternative for daily commuters. The significance of this milestone extends beyond convenience. Experts suggest that continuous metro corridors optimally distribute passenger flow, reduce congestion, and help Kolkata meet urban sustainability goals. The completion of underground tunnelling under the Hooghly River and the structurally sensitive Bowbazar zone demonstrates advanced engineering overcoming subsidence.
Delays due to ground instability and water ingress in Bowbazar had stalled the final stretch for years. Multiple safety inspections and tunnel reinforcement operations were necessary before the CRS greenlighted the corridor. Local community concerns were addressed through advanced construction approaches that balanced safety and heritage preservation. Although the PM’s itinerary hasn’t officially confirmed the inauguration, sources indicate that Rail Ministry proposals are under consideration for a joint commissioning event. A launch during the high-profile visit would symbolise a commitment to Kolkata’s connected future and India’s low-carbon urban transformation.
Kolkata Metro officials will monitor routing, crowd management, and scheduled operations closely in the days following launch to ensure service reliability. Emergency protocols, passenger awareness campaigns, and last-mile connectivity improvements are also being finalised in partnership with municipal transport agencies. The completion of the Bowbazar section marks the end of a prolonged chapter in the city’s infrastructural saga, delivering tangible benefits to millions of commuters and reinforcing Kolkata’s efforts to evolve as a sustainable, equitable, and modern metropolis. With all technical clearances in place, attention now turns to execution on the ground—turning anticipation into action.
As Kolkata’s Bowbazar metro link prepares for debut, urban transit enthusiasts and everyday commuters alike anticipate smoother journeys, shorter commute times, and a greener metro experience—just in time for a historic week in the city’s metro evolution.
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