Kolkata’s Yellow Line Metro has officially opened for airport passengers, offering a faster, more affordable alternative to taxis for journeys to and from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The inaugural services on the Noapara–Jai Hind stretch began on Monday, marking a key milestone in the city’s urban transport infrastructure and expanding sustainable mobility options for residents and visitors alike.
Commuters on the first day praised the convenience, affordability, and comfort of the metro link. Flyers arriving in Kolkata now have the option to bypass congested city roads and reach downtown locations efficiently. Officials noted that the integration of the Yellow Line with existing metro corridors, including the Blue and Green Lines, ensures seamless connectivity across the city while reducing reliance on private vehicles, thereby contributing to lower carbon emissions. The new metro station at Jai Hind is strategically designed to provide easy access from the airport terminal. Passengers traverse an 80-metre tunnel equipped with walkalators and escalators, while external elevators connect to the departure level, streamlining passenger movement and enhancing accessibility. Officials highlighted that such infrastructure is aligned with global standards of modern urban transit, emphasising convenience, safety, and inclusivity.
Fares on the Yellow Line are nominal, making it an economical option for both local and international travellers. A trip from Jai Hind to Shahid Khudiram station on the Blue Line is priced at Rs 35, while a journey to Dakshineswar costs just Rs 15. Metro services run at 15-minute intervals on weekdays between 8 am and 8 pm, ensuring regular and predictable travel times for passengers. Early passengers reported a significant improvement in commute experience. The well-maintained trains, ample luggage space, and clean stations contribute to a comfortable journey, while connections to other metro lines allow travellers to reach central and commercial hubs quickly. Transport experts noted that the metro provides an environmentally friendly alternative to fuel-dependent taxis, supporting the city’s push towards sustainable urban mobility and equitable access to public transit.
The launch of the Yellow Line airport link is expected to ease congestion in the city’s eastern corridors and provide a reliable option for daily commuters as well as tourists. Officials emphasised that continued expansion of the metro network will integrate further neighbourhoods and key points of interest, making urban travel more efficient while reducing travel times and pollution. By offering a modern, zero-emission alternative to traditional road transport, Kolkata Metro is setting a benchmark for eco-friendly and equitable urban transit in India. Authorities continue to encourage citizens and visitors to embrace public transport as a sustainable solution for the city’s growing mobility needs.
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