Kolkata Metro DisruptionThe sudden closure of the Kavi Subhash metro station, the southern terminus of Kolkata’s North-South Metro corridor (Blue Line), has left thousands of daily commuters stranded, triggering a transportation crisis in the New Garia-Garia region. The station was shut indefinitely due to structural damage—specifically sinking platform columns and signs of foundational instability. As a result, trains now terminate one stop earlier at Shahid Khudiram station, increasing last-mile travel burdens.
This unforeseen suspension has not only altered commuting routes but also exposed the city’s unpreparedness for sudden infrastructure failures in vital transit corridors.
Commuters Grapple With Costly Auto Fares
With metro service unavailable beyond Shahid Khudiram, commuters have been forced to depend on autos and local transport, facing inflated fares ranging from ₹30 to ₹50 for a stretch that previously cost only ₹10–₹15. This price surge has triggered outrage among students, office-goers, and daily wage workers, many of whom rely heavily on affordable transit.
Auto drivers defend the pricing hike, citing rising fuel costs and demand pressure. However, the absence of regulatory checks has made room for arbitrary fare demands, further frustrating regular passengers.
“I used to pay ₹10 to reach New Garia. Now, auto drivers ask for ₹40 and refuse if I don’t pay. What option do I have?” said Arpita Das, a college student in Garia.
Kolkata Metro Disruption: WBTC Introduces Shuttle Bus Service
In response to growing complaints, the West Bengal Transport Corporation (WBTC) launched a trial shuttle bus service on the Shahid Khudiram–Garia corridor. The buses are intended to provide commuters with a cheaper and safer alternative to autos, especially during peak morning and evening hours.
The shuttle service has been welcomed by many, though questions remain about its frequency, capacity, and long-term viability. Currently, a limited number of buses ply the route, and authorities are evaluating ridership data to determine the need for scaling up.
“We aim to reduce dependency on overpriced autos and ease commuter hardship,” a senior WBTC official stated.
Auto Drivers Protest Government Move
Not all stakeholders are pleased. Several auto unions have opposed the shuttle service, claiming that it threatens their livelihood. They argue that instead of introducing competing services, the government should regulate fares and coordinate last-mile connectivity between metro and autos.
Some unions even threatened to halt services or strike if shuttle buses are expanded without consultation.
Commuters Caught in the Middle
Amid the standoff between WBTC and auto operators, commuters remain stuck in long queues, frequently forced to choose between waiting for infrequent buses or paying steep auto fares. The shutdown has revived bitter memories of pre-2010 Kolkata, when metro expansion was still underway and daily commuting meant enduring unreliable transport options.
Senior citizens and people with disabilities have particularly struggled with the additional walking and transit connections now required.
Demand to Revive Discontinued Bus Routes
Transport experts have suggested reinstating old bus routes such as 206, S116, and S124, which served the area before being withdrawn during the COVID-19 pandemic. These routes, if revived, could offer consistent connectivity between Shahid Khudiram, Garia Station Road, and New Garia—relieving pressure from both autos and shuttle buses.
Urban mobility researchers have emphasized the need for multi-modal integration, urging coordination between metro, bus, and para-transit services.
According to a report by Centre for Science and Environment, Indian cities often face last-mile transit problems due to poor inter-agency coordination.
Shahid Khudiram Station Strained
Originally a low-traffic station, Shahid Khudiram now experiences footfall beyond its handling capacity. With insufficient staff and limited ticket counters, the station struggles to cope with the sudden influx of stranded passengers. Cleaners have been spotted guiding commuters in the absence of security personnel or official marshals.
Many commuters have complained about overcrowding, long queues, and delayed access to tokens and platforms, with no interim infrastructure added to support increased traffic.
Metro Infrastructure Faces Deeper Scrutiny
The crisis has also sparked broader concerns about the integrity of Kolkata’s metro infrastructure. The collapse risk at Kavi Subhash station raises questions about the quality of engineering, maintenance, and the speed at which safety audits are conducted.
The Indian Railways and the Metro Railway authorities have issued tenders worth ₹9.4 crore to reconstruct the affected platforms. The work is estimated to take at least 8–9 months, leaving commuters in limbo until early or mid-2026.
Policy Recommendations and Future Outlook
Several civic groups and urban planners have called for comprehensive transport reforms:
- Short-Term:
- Expand the shuttle bus network with real-time GPS tracking and scheduled stops.
- Set up help desks and digital payment options for autos and shuttle buses.
- Restore discontinued bus routes with updated timings.
- Medium-Term:
- Introduce a centralized mobility app for route planning, fare estimation, and multimodal ticketing.
- Launch public awareness campaigns on fare caps and passenger rights.
- Long-Term:
- Strengthen periodic structural audits of metro and bus infrastructure.
- Develop an integrated transit strategy involving metro, WBTC, private operators, and local auto unions.
A report by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) highlights how cities like Pune and Chennai are building integrated transport ecosystems—models that Kolkata can emulate.
Conclusion
The closure of Kavi Subhash station has shaken Kolkata’s urban transit landscape, exposing cracks not just in concrete but in coordination, planning, and accountability. While WBTC’s shuttle bus initiative is a welcome step, it is no panacea. A cohesive, commuter-centric, and long-term mobility strategy is the only way forward.
As the city awaits the reconstruction of a critical metro node, all stakeholders—transport agencies, unions, and commuters—must come together to prevent temporary fixes from becoming permanent problems.
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
