Kolkata Metro – the 1st Metro System in India & first underground Metro Rail in the whole of India

 West Bengal Metro Rail is the underground rail network and is the most convenient way to get around in the busy city of Kolkata. Kolkata Metro Rail has been in operation since 1984 and is the first underground Metro Rail in the whole of India. It is held in high esteem throughout the world for its efficient functioning, cleanliness, comfort and time - saving quality.

The Metro Rail in Kolkata at present extends from Dum-Dum to Tollygunje over a total length of 16.45 kms. En route it covers 17
stations that include Belgachia, Shyambazar, Sovabazar, Girish Park, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Central, Chandni Chawk, Esplanade, Park Street, Maidan, Rabindra Sadan, Bhowanipore, Jatin Das Park, Kalighat and Rabindra Sarobar.

Extension of the route of Kolkata Metro Rail from Tollygunje to the extreme of Garia is in progress and includes stations like Kudghat, New Garia, Garia Bazaar, Bansdroni, Pranabnagar and Naktala. This would be highly beneficial as it would cover almost all the majorly populated areas of Kolkata. It takes just a smooth ride of 33 minutes to cover this busy area which during peak hours could take around 90 minutes by other modes of communication.

Each metro rail carries approximately 2558 passengers and services are available every 5 - 15 minutes depending on the time of the day. Kolkata Metro Rail is equipped with advanced technology and safety of he passengers is of prime concern. The environment within the metro stations and trains is controlled and washed and cooled air is forced inside for proper ventilation. Daily Tickets and Multi - Ride Tickets are available from each of the Metro stations. Some stations are also equipped with escalators.

                        >> HISTORY >>

The initiative had to wait for 2 decades when in 1969 the Metropolitan Transport Project was initiated. The master plan prepared by them in 1971 envisaged a network of 97.50 km consisting of three North-South corridors of which three were selected for detailed planning. These three lines were Dumdum – Tollygunge, Bidhannager – Ramrajatala and Dakshineswar – Thakurpukur. Based on traffic studies, the Dumdum – Tollygunge corridor was first selected for implementation and work started on 29th December, 1972. On 24th October 1984,the first stretch, a length of about 3.4 km between Esplanade and Bhowanipur was completed, the first metro line in India. Over the years, others stretches on the corridor were gradually completed and some extensions were also made. This corridor was extended to New Garia as late as 2010. The people of Kolkata, enjoyed benefits of a modern metro system. In today carries about 5 lakh passengers a day.