Kolkata Metro to expand around 130 km urban rail network in upcoming years

Kolkata, India (Rail & Metro Today): The Kolkata Metro Railway network is set for significant expansion, with its total length expected to reach around 130 km in the coming years, according to Metro Railway General Manager Prem Sagar Gupta.

Gupta outlined the expansion plans while addressing the organisation's Independence Day celebrations at Metro Rail Bhavan, highlighting the growth of Kolkata Metro, rising passenger numbers and efforts to strengthen safety, passenger amenities and operational reliability.

Kolkata Metro Carries 23.60 Crore Passengers

Kolkata Metro carried approximately 23.60 crore passengers during 2025-26, underlining its growing importance as a mass rapid transit system for the city and surrounding urban areas.

The continued expansion of the network is expected to provide better connectivity across Kolkata while supporting the city's growing demand for reliable and sustainable public transport.

The planned expansion will also extend metro connectivity to several emerging residential, commercial and employment centres, strengthening integration with the wider metropolitan transport network.

Metro Earnings Rise 34%

Kolkata Metro has also recorded strong growth in earnings during the current financial year.

According to Gupta, the Metro earned ₹166 crore between April and July 2026, representing a 34% increase compared with the corresponding period of the previous year.

The increase reflects both growing passenger activity and greater adoption of digital ticketing and payment facilities across the network.

Digital Ticketing Gains Popularity

Metro commuters are increasingly using digital platforms to purchase tokens, smart cards and QR code-based tickets, as well as to recharge smart cards.

These services are available through the ‘Aamar Kolkata Metro’ app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The increasing adoption of digital payment and ticketing systems is expected to make passenger transactions faster and more convenient while reducing dependence on traditional ticketing processes.

Focus on Safety and Passenger Experience

Gupta also highlighted Metro Railway's efforts to improve safety, passenger amenities and operational reliability.

As the network expands towards the proposed 130-km scale, maintaining safety standards and improving passenger experience will remain important priorities for Kolkata Metro.

The combination of network expansion, increasing ridership, higher revenues and digitalisation is expected to strengthen Kolkata Metro's role in the city's public transport system and support the development of a more integrated and sustainable urban mobility network.