The Kolkata Metro Green Line extension from Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan is a transformative addition to India’s first metro system. This corridor will enhance urban mobility between the tech-centric east and historic west of the city.
🗺️ Complete Overview of Kolkata Metro Lines (Line 1 to Line 5)
Line No.
Color
Route
Status
Length (km)
Stations
Type
Key Notes
1
Blue
Dakshineswar ↔ Kavi Subhash
Operational
32.13
26
Underground + Elevated
India’s first metro line; runs north–south
2
Green
Salt Lake Sector V ↔ Howrah Maidan
Partially Operational
16.6 (planned)
12
Underground + Elevated
East–west corridor; includes India’s first under-river tunnel
3
Purple
Joka ↔ Esplanade (via Majerhat)
Partially Operational
16.7 (planned)
11
Elevated + Underground
First phase (Joka–Taratala) opened; Majerhat–Esplanade under construction
4
Yellow
Noapara ↔ Barasat via Airport
Under Construction
16.9
10
Underground + Elevated
Will connect airport to northern suburbs
5
Pink
Baranagar ↔ Barrackpore
Proposed
12.5
11
Elevated
Awaiting final approvals; targets northern expansion
🛠️ Green Line Project Summary
Feature
Details
Total Length
6.5 km (fully underground)
Number of New Stations
6
Average Station Depth
18–22 meters
Deepest Station
Howrah Maidan (28 meters)
Project Cost
₹4,965 crore
Rolling Stock
25 new AC trains
Signaling Technology
CBTC (Communication-Based Train Control)
Platforms
185m (8-car capacity)
Escalators / Lifts
4–6 escalators, 2+ lifts per station
🚧 Construction & Operational Timeline (as of July 2024)
Milestone
Status
Trial Runs
Completed on 85% of route
CMRS Safety Inspections
Underway
Station Finishing Work
90% complete
Soft Launch
Expected October 2024
Full Commercial Operations
Expected November 2024
Initial Operating Hours
6:30 AM – 9:30 PM
🗺️ Station-by-Station Guide
Station
Interchange
Key Features
Nearby Landmarks
Howrah Maidan
Future Purple Line
Deepest metro station (28m)
Howrah Bus Terminus
Howrah
Indian Railways
Direct rail connectivity
Howrah Junction
Mahakaran
–
Access to govt. offices
Calcutta High Court
Esplanade
Blue Line (Line 1)
Major retail/commercial area
Park Street, New Market
Sealdah
Eastern Railway
Suburban rail link
Sealdah Market, Station
Salt Lake Sector V
–
IT and business hub
Technopolis, Wipro Campus
🕒 Projected Train Schedule
Direction
First Train
Last Train
Peak Frequency
Off-Peak Frequency
Howrah Maidan → Sector V
6:15 AM
9:45 PM
Every 7 mins
Every 12 mins
Sector V → Howrah Maidan
6:30 AM
10:00 PM
Every 7 mins
Every 12 mins
Note: Weekend frequencies may vary during the first few months of operation.
🎫 Fare Structure
Distance (km)
Standard Fare
Smart Card Fare
0–2
₹10
₹9
2–5
₹15
₹13.50
5–10
₹20
₹18
10–15
₹25
₹22.50
15+
₹30
₹27
🌟 Benefits of the Green Line Expansion
⏱️ Time Efficiency
Road Travel Time: 75–110 minutes
Metro Travel Time: 28 minutes
Time Saved: Up to 75%
🔁 Seamless Integration
Howrah: Indian Railways
Sealdah: Eastern Railway
Esplanade: Blue Line (Line 1)
Howrah Maidan: Future Purple Line
🌱 Eco-Impact
12,000+ fewer daily vehicle trips
CO₂ emissions cut: 18,000 metric tons/year
♿ Accessibility & Commuter Services
Facility
Available
Wheelchair Access
✅
Tactile Paths for the Visually Impaired
✅
Free WiFi at Stations
✅
Drinking Water
✅
Smart Card Benefits
✅ (10% off)
Parking Availability
✅
🔮 Future Metro Projects
Corridor
Status
Length
Expected Completion
Purple Line (New Garia–Airport)
Under Construction
29 km
2026
Joka–Esplanade
40% Complete
16 km
2025
Circular Metro
Proposed
42 km
TBA
🧠 Travel Tips
Avoid Rush: Travel before 8 AM or after 8 PM
Use Smart Cards: Faster access + discounts
Stay Updated: Download the Kolkata Metro Rail app
Allow Extra Time: For deeper underground stations (up to 28m)
📌 Conclusion
The Kolkata Metro Green Line extension is a landmark achievement that will:
