Kolkata Metro Plans to Reduce Green Line: Kolkata’s expanding metro network, often referred to as the city’s lifeline, is gearing up for a significant transformation. Officials are considering a major operational revamp on the East-West Metro, popularly known as the Green Line, in response to mounting passenger demand. The plan includes reducing peak-hour intervals between trains from the current 12 minutes to just 5 minutes, a change that could dramatically alter daily commuting for thousands of passengers.
With the Durga Puja festival season approaching, city authorities and metro planners are under pressure to deliver improved services as crowds are expected to swell further. At the heart of this proposal lies a request for eight additional rakes, which will be required to achieve the tighter scheduling.
Kolkata Metro Plans to Reduce Green Line: Why the Move is Urgent
The Green Line, which connects Howrah Maidan with Salt Lake Sector V (with ongoing extensions), has seen a steady rise in ridership since its inauguration. According to metro officials, peak hours are becoming increasingly congested as offices, schools, and markets reopen fully in the post-pandemic era.
Many passengers have voiced frustration at the long waiting times and overcrowding. A reduction in intervals to five minutes would not only provide relief but also place Kolkata’s metro service on par with global metro standards.
➡️ For context on metro systems worldwide, see how Delhi Metro and Singapore MRT operate during peak hours with a 2–5 minute gap between trains.
The Current Situation
At present, trains on the Green Line run every 12 minutes during rush hours. This often leads to bottlenecks at key interchange stations like Salt Lake Sector V, Phoolbagan, and Esplanade (once the connection with North-South Line is fully functional).
With work still ongoing at Howrah Maidan and the underwater tunnel that connects Kolkata to Howrah across the Hooghly River, officials believe that once the entire route becomes operational, footfall will nearly double, making the current schedule unsustainable.
Request for Additional Rakes
To achieve the target of a 5-minute frequency, metro authorities have emphasized the urgent need for at least eight additional rakes. Each rake is a set of multiple coaches designed to accommodate large numbers of passengers.
Officials highlighted that with the current fleet, the metro is already stretched to capacity, leaving little room to increase train frequency without additional rolling stock.
The procurement process, however, is complex. It requires approvals from the Railway Board, funding allocations, and compliance with safety and operational norms.
➡️ Read more about metro expansions in India via Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs – Metro Rail.
Challenges in Implementation
While the proposal has been widely welcomed by commuters, several challenges lie ahead:
- Infrastructure Readiness – Increasing frequency means more stress on signaling systems, depots, and maintenance facilities. Upgrades may be necessary to ensure smooth functioning.
- Funding Constraints – Procuring rakes requires significant investment, and budgetary approvals could delay the plan.
- Testing & Safety – Before deploying additional rakes, each must undergo rigorous trials to meet safety standards.
- Coordination with North-South Line – Once the East-West and North-South Lines are fully interconnected at Esplanade, scheduling will become more complex.
Expected Benefits
If the plan goes through, the benefits for Kolkata’s commuters will be enormous:
- Reduced Waiting Time – No more long queues during office hours, improving commuter satisfaction.
- Decongestion at Key Stations – Stations like Salt Lake, Phoolbagan, and Sealdah will see smoother passenger movement.
- Boost for Local Economy – Faster transport means easier access to commercial hubs, particularly Sector V, the IT hub of Kolkata.
- Durga Puja Travel Ease – With the festival drawing millions into the city, smoother metro services will help manage the festive rush.
➡️ For a global perspective, look at London Underground’s frequency, where peak-time trains run every 2–3 minutes.
Voices from the City
Commuters, who form the backbone of Kolkata’s metro ridership, have expressed mixed reactions.
- Rituparna Ghosh, IT professional at Sector V: “During office hours, the rush is unbearable. If they can reduce the interval to 5 minutes, it will be a game-changer for us.”
- Arindam Roy, a college student from Howrah: “We are waiting eagerly for the full Green Line stretch to open. Right now, the waiting time is frustrating. The sooner they bring in more trains, the better.”
- Local shop owners near stations: Many believe that improved services will boost foot traffic, increasing business opportunities.
Linking with Other Lines
The integration of the Green Line with the North-South Line at Esplanade is expected to be the turning point for Kolkata’s metro network. Once operational, it will allow passengers from Howrah and Salt Lake to access the heart of South Kolkata seamlessly.
This interconnectivity will dramatically increase ridership, making the case for reduced train gaps even stronger.
Looking Ahead
Officials are optimistic but cautious. While they recognize the pressing need, they also admit that logistical challenges could slow down implementation. If approvals and rake procurement proceed smoothly, the 5-minute gap plan could be realized within the next 12–18 months.
Conclusion
The move to reduce the Green Line’s peak-hour time gap from 12 minutes to 5 minutes marks an ambitious step in modernizing Kolkata’s metro system. With the demand for metro services rising steadily, especially with Durga Puja and future expansions in sight, the urgency for better frequency cannot be overstated.
However, the plan hinges on the acquisition of additional rakes and robust coordination between various agencies. If successful, Kolkata Metro will not only enhance commuter convenience but also establish itself as one of the most efficient urban transit systems in India.
For now, all eyes remain on the approvals and funding process, as millions of Kolkatans wait for a smoother, faster, and more reliable metro experience.
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