Kolkata Metro is set to significantly enhance urban connectivity as three new stretches are expected to become operational by the end of August, according to officials from Metro Railway Kolkata. This development follows the recent inspection of the East-West Metro’s 2.6 km Esplanade–Sealdah section and the Noapara–Airport stretch, signalling a major push toward improving commuter convenience and reducing traffic congestion across the city.
Officials confirmed that the East-West Metro’s Green Line, connecting Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V, will be fully accessible to commuters by August. The completion of the Esplanade–Sealdah section is expected to offer Salt Lake-bound passengers a seamless journey, eliminating the need to navigate congested roads between Esplanade and Sealdah. This expansion is projected to enhance mobility for thousands of daily commuters and streamline access to one of the city’s busiest commercial and IT hubs. Beyond August, additional expansions are anticipated in September as two more vital stretches receive final regulatory approvals. The first phase of the Yellow Line, spanning Noapara to the Airport, will establish a direct metro link to the airport, meeting a critical demand for improved urban-airport connectivity. The Orange Line’s Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby More)–Beleghata corridor, covering 4.5 km, is expected to significantly reduce travel time for commuters travelling from the partially operational Kavi Subhash line to Salt Lake’s entry points and key locations such as Phoolbagan, IT hubs at Sector V, Nicco Park, Karunamoyee, and City Centre 1.
Urban mobility experts suggest that the opening of these stretches is a transformative step toward sustainable, equitable city transport. By facilitating smoother metro access, the expansions are likely to reduce reliance on private vehicles, easing traffic pressure and contributing to a lower carbon footprint across the Kolkata metropolitan area. The integration of metro services with commercial and IT corridors aligns with broader objectives of creating gender-neutral, eco-friendly, and accessible public transport solutions. Officials emphasised that the expansions not only improve connectivity but also enhance commuter safety and convenience. The metro operator is coordinating with city traffic authorities to manage last-mile connectivity and ensure seamless transfers across different lines. Sustainable planning measures, including energy-efficient operations and station upgrades, are being prioritised to ensure long-term efficiency and resilience of the network.
As Kolkata’s metro network expands, these strategic stretches are expected to transform urban travel patterns, offering commuters reliable, faster, and eco-conscious alternatives to conventional road transport. By integrating new lines with key residential, commercial, and IT zones, the metro system reinforces the city’s commitment to modern, sustainable, and inclusive urban mobility.
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