Kolkata Metro: What You Need to Know Today
If you live in or visit Kolkata, the metro is one of the fastest ways to get around. It connects key parts of the city without getting stuck in traffic. Below we cover the main lines, how to buy tickets, and what’s new on the network.
Current Lines and Where They Take You
The Kolkata Metro has two operational lines: Line 1 (North‑South) and Line 2 (East‑West). Line 1 runs from Noapara in the north to Kavi Subhash in the south, stopping at places like Dum Dum, Sealdah, Esplanade, and Kalighat. Line 2 links Salt Lake City to Howrah, passing through major hubs such as Salt Lake Stadium, Karunamoyee, and the new East‑West Bridge.
Both lines run every 5–10 minutes during peak hours and slightly less often late at night. Trains start around 6 am and stop around midnight. You can check real‑time arrivals on the official app or at station displays.
Buying Tickets Made Simple
There are three easy ways to pay for a ride: smart cards, QR code tickets, and cash tokens. Smart cards cost a small refundable deposit and let you top up any amount. QR tickets work with the Kolkata Metro app – just scan the code at the gate and you’re good to go.
If you prefer cash, buy a token from the kiosk before entering the platform. Tokens are single‑trip only and cost a little more than card fares. Remember that smart cards give a small discount compared to tokens.
For tourists, the day pass is a great deal. It costs about ₹100 and lets you travel unlimited on both lines for 24 hours. You can pick up a day pass at any ticket counter.
To avoid queues, download the metro app before your trip. The app shows schedules, fare calculators, and even lets you recharge your card from your phone.
Safety is a top priority on the Kolkata Metro. Trains have CCTV cameras, and staff are present at every station. Keep an eye on your belongings and give up seats to those who need them.
If you’re planning a longer journey, note that Line 2’s East‑West Bridge still has some stations under construction. The completed sections already save commuters hours compared to road travel.
When you step off the train at major interchanges like Esplanade or Howrah, you’ll find easy connections to buses, auto‑rickshaws, and the city’s suburban rail network. This makes it simple to reach neighborhoods that aren’t directly on the metro line.
In summary, the Kolkata Metro offers a quick, cheap, and reliable way to move across the city. Use a smart card or the QR ticket for the smoothest experience, keep the app handy for updates, and enjoy the growing network as new stations open.
Kolkata's Groundbreaking Underwater Metro Tunnel Set for Completion by 2023
Kolkata is on the verge of achieving a remarkable technological feat with the completion of India's first underwater metro tunnel by 2023. The tunnel, part of the Kolkata East-West Metro line, will link Howrah and Kolkata, significantly reducing travel time and costs for commuters. Spanning 520 meters under the Hooghly River, this project represents a huge leap in India’s transportation infrastructure.
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