Kolkata Metro has extended operating hours and increased train frequency on the Blue and Green lines from Monday on a trial basis. The revised schedule includes earlier first trains, later last trains and additional services throughout the week.
Kolkata Metro Introduces Longer Operating Hours and More Services
Commuters travelling on Kolkata Metro’s Blue and Green lines will benefit from extended service hours and increased train frequency beginning Monday, as Metro Railway rolls out a revised timetable on a trial basis.
The changes are aimed at improving passenger convenience, reducing waiting times and accommodating growing commuter demand. Officials said the enhanced schedule will initially be implemented on an experimental basis before a decision is taken on making it permanent.
Blue Line Services to Start Earlier and End Later
On the Blue Line, which currently operates between Dakshineswar and Shahid Khudiram (New Garia), Metro services will begin significantly earlier from Monday to Saturday.
The first trains from both terminal stations will now depart at 6:00 a.m., replacing the earlier 6:50 a.m. schedule.
The last train timings have also been extended:
- Last train from Shahid Khudiram to Dakshineswar: 10:15 p.m. (earlier 9:35 p.m.)
- Last train from Shahid Khudiram to Dum Dum: 10:30 p.m. (earlier 9:44 p.m.)
- Last train from Dakshineswar to Shahid Khudiram: 10:03 p.m. (earlier 9:28 p.m.)
- Last train from Dakshineswar to Mahanayak Uttam Kumar (Tollygunge): 10:18 p.m. (earlier 9:38 p.m.)
- Last train from Dum Dum to Tollygunge: 10:30 p.m. (earlier 9:50 p.m.)
Train frequency on the corridor will range between 6 and 15 minutes, depending on the time of day.
More Blue Line Trains Throughout the Week
Metro Railway has also increased the number of daily services on the Blue Line.
The revised schedule includes:
- Weekdays: 272 services (up from 260)
- Saturdays: 258 services (up from 246)
- Sundays: 158 services (up from 152)
On Sundays, the first trains will continue to depart at 9:00 a.m., while the last train timings will follow the new extended schedule.
Green Line Also Gets Earlier Starts and More Trains
Passengers on the Green Line, connecting Howrah Maidan and Sector V, will also experience longer operating hours.
From Monday to Saturday:
- The first train from Howrah Maidan to Sector V will leave at 6:00 a.m. instead of 6:39 a.m.
- The first train from Sector V to Howrah Maidan will depart at 6:09 a.m. instead of 6:45 a.m.
The last trains from both terminal stations will now depart at 10:30 p.m., replacing the previous 10:05 p.m. schedule.
Sunday operations will continue to begin at 9:00 a.m., but services will now continue until 10:30 p.m.
Additional Green Line Services
The revised timetable also increases train frequency on the Green Line:
- Monday to Friday: 236 services (up from 228)
- Saturday: 212 services (up from 204)
- Sunday: 111 services (up from 108)
The changes are intended to improve connectivity between Kolkata’s eastern IT hub and central business districts.
Staff Working Overtime to Support Expanded Schedule
Metro officials acknowledged that the enhanced services are being introduced despite an ongoing manpower shortage.
According to Metro Railway, employees will work overtime to operate the revised schedule, while the organisation estimates that it requires at least 60 additional staff members to sustain the expanded operations across its 38 stations.
Officials said the trial period will help assess operational feasibility before taking a decision on permanent implementation.
Ticket Counter Timings Remain Unchanged
While train services will operate until later at night, ticket counters will continue to close at 9:30 p.m.
Passengers travelling after counter closure will need to use:
- Smart Cards
- Mobile or online tickets
- Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs)
Metro Railway has encouraged commuters to use digital ticketing options to avoid inconvenience during late-evening travel.
Why the Changes Matter
The revised timetable is expected to benefit thousands of daily commuters by providing greater flexibility, especially for office-goers, students and late-night travellers.
Longer operating hours and additional services are also likely to reduce overcrowding during peak periods while improving connectivity across Kolkata’s expanding Metro network.
Key Takeaways
- Kolkata Metro has extended operating hours on both the Blue Line and Green Line from Monday on a trial basis.
- First trains on weekdays will now start at 6:00 a.m., with last trains running until 10:30 p.m.
- Blue Line weekday services have increased from 260 to 272, while Green Line services have risen from 228 to 236.
- Sunday services will continue to start at 9:00 a.m., but operations will extend until 10:30 p.m.
- Ticket counters will close at 9:30 p.m., with passengers encouraged to use smart cards and digital ticketing options thereafter.
FAQs
When do the revised Kolkata Metro timings come into effect?
The new timetable comes into effect from Monday and is being introduced on a trial basis.
What are the new operating hours on the Blue Line?
From Monday to Saturday, the first trains will begin at 6:00 a.m., while the last trains will operate until 10:30 p.m. depending on the destination.
How many additional trains have been introduced?
The Blue Line will operate 272 weekday services, while the Green Line will operate 236 weekday services, with additional services also introduced on Saturdays and Sundays.
Will Sunday timings change?
The first trains on Sundays will continue to depart at 9:00 a.m., but the last services on both corridors will now run until 10:30 p.m.
Can passengers buy tickets after 9:30 p.m.?
Ticket counters will close at 9:30 p.m. Passengers travelling later should use smart cards, online tickets or ticket vending machines.
