Kolkata gets its first direct Metro to airport; PM Modi set to open 3 game changing routes on Aug 22

The Prime Minister will inaugurate three stretches- Sealdah to Esplanade, Ruby Crossing to Beleghata and Noapara to Airport,  a transformation hailed as a “historic gift” just ahead of Durga Puja.

The Spearheads of Connectivity

1. Green Line – Sealdah to Esplanade (East-West Metro)

• This 2.6 km segment completes the East–West Metro corridor, linking Howrah Maidan and Salt Lake Sector V through the Sealdah–Esplanade stretch—a section that faced prolonged delays due to subsidence in Bowbazar.

• Now, India’s first underwater metro corridor becomes fully operational—bridging major hubs seamlessly.

2. Orange Line – Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby Crossing) to Beleghata

• The new extension of the existing route from New Garia (Kavi Subhash) to Ruby more (Hemanta Mukhopadhyay) now pushes north to Beleghata, spanning roughly 4.4–4.5 km.

• This unlocks faster transit for commuters from southern and eastern suburbs toward central and northern areas.

A glimpse of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport in Dum Dum, Kolkata. Photo: Sujoy Dhar/IBNS

3. Yellow Line – Noapara to Jai Hind (Airport)

• The 7-km first phase delivers Kolkata’s first direct metro link to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport via Noapara, with an interchange to the Blue Line.

• The Jessore Road, Dum Dum Cantonment, and Jai Hind stations all officially opened on August 22.

Why is it game-changing?

• Seamless connectivity across the city

With the East–West corridor finally intact, commuters gain uninterrupted metro service from IT hubs, major railway stations, and residential zones. The airport link adds another vital node to the network.

• Multi-zonal integration across lines

Riders can transfer across Green, Blue, Orange, and Yellow lines, enhancing flexibility and shrinking travel times.

• Catalyst for growth and mobility

These extensions are more than infrastructure—they’re lifelines that will fuel economic activity, ease traffic, and uplift quality of life for millions.

Kolkata Metro now stretches to the city's airport. Representational Photo: ChatGPT

• A boost ahead of a major festival

Launched just before Durga Puja, this expansion is both symbolic and practical—preparing the city for surging festival traffic and delivering a tangible gift to West Bengal’s residents.

At a glance: The three metro openings

Green (East–West)
Sealdah–Esplanade (2.6 km)
Fills critical gap—connects Howrah Maidan ↔ Salt Lake Sector V

Orange
Ruby Crossing → Beleghata (~4.4 km)
Extends reach to eastern suburbs

Yellow
Noapara → Jai Hind Airport (~7 km)
First metro-airport link