Kolkata Metro Rail
Introduction
Kolkata Metro Rail is the oldest metro system in India, having opened in 1984. It is an important mode of transportation for the city, carrying millions of passengers every day, at affordable fares.
The Kolkata Metro is the only metro system in India that operates underwater, underground, and elevated sections. It is also the only metro system in India with a station inside a railway station, that is Howrah Station.
Lines and Routes
Kolkata Metro currently operates with four lines:
- Line 1- Blue Line (North-South Line): Connects Kavi Subhash to Dakshineswar.
- Line 2- Green Line (East-West Line): Connects Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V.
- Line 3- Purple Line: Connects Esplanade to Joka.
- Line 6- Orange Line: Connects Kavi Subhash to Jai Hind (Airport).
| Lines | Opening Year | Length (km) | Stations | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Line | 1984 | 32.25 | 26 | Fully operational |
| Green Line | 2020 | 16.6 | 12 | Mostly Operational (except between Esplanade – Sealdah) |
| Purple Line | 2022 | 7.75 | 7 | Partially operational |
| Orange Line | 2024 | 5.4 | 5 | Partially operational |
In addition to these operational lines, there are two lines under construction and planned:
- Line 4- Yellow Line: Connects Noapara to Barasat.
- Line 5- Pink Line: Connects Baranagar to Barrackpore.
Owners and Operators
Kolkata Metro has always been under the Indian Railways. It is the only metro in the country to be controlled by Indian Railways. On 29 December 2010, Metro Railway, Kolkata, became the 17th zone of the Indian Railways, completely owned and funded by the Ministry of Railways. Although Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation was formed with 50-50 shares of the Government of West Bengal and the Government of India, as the implementing agency of the East–West Corridor, later majority shares were transferred to Indian Railways.
| Operator | Owner | Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Metro Railway, Kolkata | Ministry of Railways (India) | Blue Line, Purple line, Orange Line |
| Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) | Ministry of Railways (India) | Green Line |