Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated three new metro corridors in Kolkata, marking a significant milestone in the city’s transport infrastructure. The new stretches include the highly anticipated airport link and India’s first under-river metro connection.
The launch ceremony was held at Jessore Road Metro Station, from where the Prime Minister boarded a train to Jai Hind Bimanbandar station and returned on the same route. West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya, and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar were among those present at the event.
With the new additions, Kolkata Metro has expanded by 13.61 km across its Green, Orange, and Yellow lines. Speaking at the programme, Mr. Modi said that Kolkata, with its historic and cultural importance, would play a crucial role in India’s journey towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
“India today has the third-largest metro network globally. Before 2014, metro connectivity in the country was limited to about 250 km. Today, the network has crossed 1,000 km, and with this addition, Kolkata alone has added nearly 14 km more,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the new links would improve mobility and ease of living in the city.
Among the new stretches flagged off is the Green Line extension between Esplanade and Sealdah. This link is expected to reduce travel time between Howrah and Sealdah — two of the busiest railway terminals in eastern India — from 40 minutes to just 11 minutes, while also improving access to key commercial areas.
Another crucial addition is the Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar line, which is expected to significantly improve last-mile connectivity to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. The Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay stretch will also provide better access to the city’s IT corridors.
Kolkata holds the distinction of being the first Indian city to introduce metro services in 1984. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, recalling her tenure as Union Railways Minister, noted that she had envisioned an intra-city metro grid connecting all corners of the metropolis.
“I had drawn up the plans, sanctioned the corridors, and secured funds to ensure that parts of the city such as Joka, Garia, Airport and Sector V were brought into a comprehensive metro network,” Ms. Banerjee said.
The new metro services are expected to not only ease daily commutes but also provide a significant boost to economic activity in Kolkata and its surrounding areas.
