Kolkata set to open three new metro lines by March 2024

Kolkata, India (Metro Rail Today): Kolkata is gearing up for a significant transportation milestone, as three new Metro lines are poised to commence operations in the first week of March. The East-West Metro’s under-river stretch, the New Garia-Ruby line, and the 1.2km Majerhat extension beyond Taratala are part of this major initiative. Agencies responsible for implementing these corridors have been instructed to be prepared for a commissioning event on March 6, with the possibility of Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating them from the new Esplanade station, also known as the Green Line.

If all goes according to plan, PM Modi might take a symbolic ride from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan, passing through the impressive 520m under-river tunnel beneath the Hooghly River. The under-river corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time from Howrah to Kolkata and establish a direct connection with the North-South Metro line. While the East-West Metro is currently partially operational between Sector V and Sealdah, work is pending on the Sealdah-Esplanade section due to construction challenges in the Bowbazar area caused by land subsidence. As a result, the 2.5km Esplanade-Sealdah section will be skipped for the time being.

On the same day, the North-South Metro will be seamlessly linked to the 5.4km New Garia-Ruby (Orange) line at the New Garia terminus. The 1.2km Majerhat extension from Taratala, a crucial part of the Purple Line’s expansion, holds significant importance. The Majerhat Metro station, embedded inside Eastern Railway’s suburban station, will provide local train commuters with easy access to the Metro from Majerhat to Joka. Notably, the line, which previously operated without signals, has now been equipped with the electronic interlocking (EI) signaling system, promising increased frequency from the current 40 minutes.

Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) Janak Kumar Gard conducted inspections on all three lines from February 4-7 and has already approved the New Garia-Ruby line to operate with signals. Formal approval for the other two lines is expected shortly, with Metro Railway having submitted compliance reports. The satisfaction expressed by CCRS regarding the progress of the East-West Metro line and the fresh observations on the Purple line’s Majerhat extension signal promising advancements in Kolkata’s metro connectivity.

The imminent inauguration of these three new Metro lines marks a significant leap forward for Kolkata's public transportation network, promising enhanced connectivity and reduced travel times for residents and commuters.