Trial runs have begun on the 4.5-km Beleghata–Sector V section of Kolkata’s Orange Line, bringing the New Garia–airport Metro corridor closer to its planned connection with the city’s Green Line at Sector V.
The trials began on Saturday on the stretch between Beleghata and Sector V, also known as the IT Centre station. The Orange Line is currently operational between New Garia and Beleghata. The next section is expected to be commissioned after testing, safety inspection and any required rectification work are completed.
An official of Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd (RVNL), the executing agency, said commercial operations were being targeted by the end of the year. The official did not provide a firm opening date, as the section must first complete the required technical and regulatory processes.
The trial runs will examine the signalling systems and other railway infrastructure installed on the section. Once the trials are completed and necessary corrections are made, Metro authorities will approach the Commissioner of Railway Safety for an inspection. Clearance from the CRS is mandatory before passenger services can begin.
The extension is significant because it will take the Orange Line beyond Beleghata to Sector V, one of Kolkata’s major employment and business districts. Once commissioned, the section will provide a direct Metro link between New Garia and Sector V, reducing the need for passengers travelling along the EM Bypass corridor to change to road-based transport for the final part of the journey.
The Sector V station will also connect the Orange Line with the Green Line, or East-West Metro. The Green Line links the Salt Lake area with Howrah, making Sector V an interchange point between the two Metro corridors. The connection is expected to give passengers living along or near the EM Bypass access to the Salt Lake–Howrah section through the Metro network.
A Metro official said passenger numbers on the Orange Line were currently very low, but were expected to increase significantly once the line reached Sector V. The present operational section between New Garia and Beleghata does not yet connect with the larger interchange network, limiting its usefulness for many potential passengers.
The trial phase will therefore determine not only whether the infrastructure is ready for service but also when the Orange Line can become part of a wider network. The final opening will depend on the outcome of the tests, completion of rectification work and the CRS inspection.
Commercial services on the Beleghata–Sector V section will begin only after the safety clearance is secured. Metro authorities and RVNL are expected to proceed with the remaining testing and regulatory steps before confirming the operational schedule.
