The city’s Metro Railway network is on track for a major expansion, with 19 additional kilometres expected to be operational by the end of 2026. The announcement came from a senior Metro Railway official during the 41st foundation day celebrations of India’s first metro system. The expansion aims to strengthen Kolkata’s urban mobility network, reduce vehicular emissions, and promote sustainable public transport across the metropolitan region.
Since its inception in 1984 with a modest 3.5-km corridor, Kolkata Metro has steadily grown into a 72-km network that connects the city’s southern, northern, and eastern fringes. Another 57 km of new tracks have been sanctioned, with nearly half already under construction. The upcoming 19 km stretch, linking Beleghata to the airport, is expected to enhance connectivity between central Kolkata and key transit hubs, cutting travel time and easing congestion on the city’s overburdened roads.
According to officials, the next phase will be critical for Kolkata’s transition into a cleaner and more resilient city. The extended corridors will reduce private vehicle dependency and complement the state’s broader carbon-neutral goals. “The Metro is not just a transport project; it is an environmental intervention,” said an official from the railway authority. “Every kilometre of track added means fewer cars on the road and lower carbon emissions.”
The expansion plan includes the completion of the Orange Line, which will eventually stretch across 32 km, forming a crucial link in the city’s east-west and south-north connectivity. The Blue, Green, and Orange Lines are expected to form a near-continuous ring by 2029, giving Kolkata a circular metro loop similar to those in major global cities.Despite some engineering hurdles notably the delay at Chingrighata crossing and the structural repair of Kavi Subhash station Metro Railway officials remain confident that the timelines will be met. Girders at Chingrighata are expected to be launched in November, with the Orange Line fully operational by late 2026.
Once the network extends to 130 km, it will not only enhance accessibility for daily commuters but also contribute to lowering the city’s pollution levels. Transit experts emphasise that such expansion projects must be integrated with last-mile connectivity through electric buses, pedestrian pathways, and cycling zones to make Kolkata a truly sustainable transport city.Kolkata’s metro journey from India’s first underground line to an evolving multi-line network symbolises the city’s ability to adapt, innovate, and lead the country’s green urban transition. The coming years will determine how effectively it balances heritage with modernity while advancing towards its carbon-neutral vision.
