Kolkata Metro has witnessed a significant surge in ridership, with over 2.08 crore (20.8 million) commuters travelling on the railway network between September 1 and 28.

In anticipation of the Durga Puja rush, additional staff, officers, and security personnel have been deployed across various stations to ensure smooth operations and effectively manage any emergencies.

On Panchami, Sasthi, and Saptami, the Metro saw more than 27 lakh (2.7 million) passengers. Saptami (September 29) alone recorded a massive footfall of 9.04 lakh passengers. The Blue Line carried over 7.02 lakh passengers, while the Green Line served more than 1.77 lakh passengers on that day.
Ridership on the initial Puja days
Chaturthi: 9.32 lakh passengers
Panchami: 9.82 lakh passengers
Sasthi: 8.33 lakh passengers

Digital ticketing gains momentum

A major push for digital ticketing is underway to help commuters avoid long queues at counters. Passengers are encouraged to use Smart Cards and mobile QR tickets, which offer a five per cent bonus or rebate when booked or recharged via the Aamar Kolkata Metro app.

During the three-day period of Panchami, Sasthi, and Saptami, approximately 3.17 lakh passengers (about 12 per cent of the total) booked tickets through the app.

The convenience of Smart Cards is also evident, with 74,022 cards sold between September 1 and 28. Furthermore, a new scheme offering Smart Cards at a reduced issue price of Rs 100 and revalidation for 10 years has been overwhelmingly successful, with 13,570 new cards issued and 1,07,973 cards revalidated over the three initial Puja days.

Options for tourists

The Metro is also appealing to visitors with its Tourist Smart Cards, facilitating unlimited journeys. These cards are available at all station booking counters:
3-day validity: Rs 250
5-day validity: Rs 550

As many as 501 Tourist Smart Cards were sold during Panchami, Sasthi, and Saptami. “We are proud of AAMAR Metro and equally proud of our commuters,” a Metro representative said in a statement on Tuesday. “Metro is the cost-effective, comfortable, and easy mode of commuting, so more and more commuters prefer to use it.”

The metro has requested passengers to continue their cooperation by following instructions broadcast through the public address System to ensure the smooth and safe running of services.