Metro connectivity boost for New Market, other shopping hubs ahead of festive season
Times of India | 25 August 2025
Kolkata: A wave of renewed optimism swept through the city's iconic New Market on Sunday, as the freshly extended East-West Metro drew shoppers from Howrah, Sealdah, Salt Lake, and beyond. This brought a fresh buzz of shoppers to the streets around New Market ahead of the festive season.
For the first time since the full stretch of the East-West corridor became operational, connecting the western flank of Howrah with the eastern satellite township of Salt Lake, traders reported a palpable shift in mood. "Bertram Street, Humayun Place, Lindsay Street, Chowringhee Place — all were thick with shopping crowds," said M D Meenaz, a trader who has seen several downturns in recent years. "Metro connectivity has given us a new hope. People can come here in no time, whether from Phoolbagan, Salt Lake, or even Howrah.
"New Market, a century-old shopping hub at the heart of Kolkata, endured a rough patch since the 2020 pandemic. The prolonged curbs and muted public spirit dragged sales well into 2023. Traders pinned their hopes on the 2024 puja season but political and social unrest upended expectations.
| Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in Kolkata"The Covid slowdown stretched till the end of 2023. Just when we thought business would bounce back, the R G Kar rape-murder and the state-wide protests cast a long shadow," recalled Shamim Sk, owner of a garments shop. "People were not in the mood to shop. Uncertainties over protests and road blockades scared away customers.
"Veteran shop assistant Jakir Hossain, who has been working in New Market for over two decades, echoed the sentiment. "In 2024, instead of festivities, customers worried about getting stuck at protest sites. They simply didn't come. This year feels different.
"The difference, traders and visitors agree, is the Metro. With seamless east-west connectivity, shoppers now save both time and hassle. "I came from Howrah Maidan in less than 20 minutes," said college student Ritika Das. "Earlier, I would avoid this side because of snarls on Howrah Bridge.
" Auto and taxi drivers near Esplanade also noticed a pick-up in demand. "We had more short-hop rides — people taking autos from New Market to College Street or Park Circus after finishing their shopping," said Rahul Yadav, an auto-union member. "It looks like the festive mood is finally returning.
"Hatibagan and Gariahat are also expected to benefit from the Metro momentum, as Kolkata's expanded rail map reconnects consumers with its traditional markets.
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