Kolkata’s East–West Metro (Green Line): Full Launch on August 22, Route, Details & Future Plans
Kolkata is poised to redefine urban transit as the East–West Metro Corridor (Green Line) gears up for its complete inauguration on August 22, 2025. This long-awaited milestone will unify the eastern and western segments, from Salt Lake Sector V to Howrah Maidan, transforming a fragmented route into a cohesive, 16.6 km urban artery.
Not only does this corridor feature India’s first underwater metro tunnel, but it also boasts the deepest metro station at Howrah Maidan, shining a spotlight on engineering ingenuity. With the full corridor operational, commuters can transition seamlessly without transfers, significantly reducing journey times across vital nodes such as Sealdah, Esplanade, and BBD Bagh.
Trains will operate from early morning to evening, maintaining robust frequencies during peak hours, catering to over 100,000 daily passengers, with capacity expected to scale up to 1 million over time. Cutting-edge technology, including CBTC signaling and modern rolling stock, ensures reliability, while support infrastructure like lifts, escalators, and safety systems enhance user experience.
Beyond the inauguration, future expansion plans are also on the horizon, extending the line eastward toward Teghoria (Haldiram) to further enhance connectivity. The Green Line is not only a transit lifeline but also a strategic investment in Kolkata’s sustainable urban future.
Green Line Route, Stations & Schedule
| Feature | Details |
| Route | Sector V ↔ Howrah Maidan |
| Total Distance | 16.6 km operational; 23.1 km including planned extensions |
| Stations (Operational) | 12 (6 elevated, 6 underground) |
| Key Stations | Sector V, Sealdah, Esplanade, Howrah Maidan |
| Underwater Tunnel? | Yes, beneath the Hooghly River |
| Deepest Station | Howrah Maidan (up to 28 m deep) |
| Operating Hours | Early morning to late evening (exact first/last train timings under finalization) |
| Peak Frequency | Every 8 minutes approximately |
| Signaling | CBTC for enhanced safety and efficiency |
Current Station List
- Salt Lake Sector V
- Karunamoyee
- Central Park
- City Centre
- Bengal Chemical
- Salt Lake Stadium
- Phoolbagan
- Sealdah
- Esplanade
- Mahakaran
- Howrah
- Howrah Maidan
Future Planned Extensions
- Eastern Extension to Teghoria (Haldiram): Approximately 6.5 km stretch beyond Sector V, adding five new stations, Teghoria (Haldiram), Raghunathpur, Baguiati, Dum Dum Park, and Keshtopur. Expected to boost connectivity into the city’s eastern fringes.
- Integration with Other Lines: The Green Line will interchange with the Blue Line at Esplanade and eventually with the Purple and Yellow Lines, solidifying its role as a central spine in the metro network.
Fare Structure
While specific fares remain under official confirmation, current fare structures suggest:
- Short rides (e.g., 0–2 km): ₹5
- Mid-distance travel (e.g., up to 10 km): ₹20
- Full-line travel (Sector V to Howrah Maidan): ₹30
Affordable pricing makes this corridor accessible across income groups, encouraging mass adoption.
The full launch of the East–West (Green Line) Metro is a pivotal moment for Kolkata, signifying not just infrastructure progress but also a bold investment in urban integration, accessibility, and sustainability. With future expansions and interconnections underway, the corridor stands as the backbone of the city’s growing metro ecosystem.
Read Also: Vande Bharat Express Train: Routes, Fares & Key Highlights
