Biggest expansion: 14km of new metro tracks, a giant leap for Kolkata
Times of India | 22 August 2025
When PM Narendra Modi inaugurates three Metro sections on Friday, Kolkata will get 14km of new metro tracks, the largest addition to its network since inception, transforming the way the city commutes. TOI gives you a low-down on the upcoming interlocked gridSections to be inauguratedGreen line (East-West metro)2.6km Sealdah-EsplanadeYellow line phase I7km NoaparaAirportOrange line phase II4.4km RubyMetropolitan (Beleghata station)Most impactE-W MetroIs the most advanced, technology-driven commute link in the cityHas India’s 1st under-river metro tunnel. The 520m twin tunnel is 30m below HooghlyUnder construction since 2009, it faced several setbacks during tunnelling in the fragile and subsidence-prone Bowbazar stretchLaunching of the 2.6km Sealdah-Esplanade section will complete the 16.6km link between Sector V and Howrah Maidan. It will take 32 minutes to cover the entire corridorWill link 2 of India’s busiest rail stations, Howrah and Sealdah. Travel time 11 minsWill intersect North-South Metro (Blue Line) at EsplanadeDaily ridership is likely to skyrocket to over 7 lakh per day from 1 lakh nowFirst airport linkYellow line phase ISpans 7km from Noapara to AirportHas 4 stations — Noapara,Dum Dum Cantonment, Jessore Road, Jai Hind (airport)Hub station built 13m below NSCB airportBypass bonanza orange line phase IIWill now cover 10km from New Garia to Metropolitan (Beleghata stn)Has 4 new stations — VIP Bazar, Ritwik Ghatak (Topsia), Barun Sengupta (Science City) and Beleghata (Metropolitan)Line to eventually span 29km from New Garia to Airport