Kolkata Metro Rail to Operate 3021 Special Service Trains During Durga Puja Festival

During the Durga Puja festival, Kolkata Metro Rail will operate 3021 special trains from September 27 to October 2, increasing capacity by over 120% compared to last year. This initiative aims to facilitate easier travel across the city for commuters.

The Metro Railway Kolkata announced it will run 3,021 special trains across four sections from September 27 to October 2 for the Durga Puja festival. This marks an increase of 651 services compared to last year, according to a Metro spokesperson. The new services will include the Purple Joka-Majerhat and Yellow Kavi Subhas-Beliaghata lines, as well as the Esplanade to Salt Lake Sector V section on the Green Line.

Commuters can now access nearly all parts of the city using the Metro. The total capacity for these services is set at 90.63 lakh passengers over six days. This is over 120% more than last year's actual passenger count of 41.15 lakh. Last year, special services were limited to the Howrah Maidan to Esplanade stretch.

Increased Passenger Traffic

As West Bengal gears up for Durga Puja, shopping and pandal hopping have led to a rise in Metro usage. On September 24, Dwitiya, over 8.36 lakh people used the Metro, surpassing last year's figure of 7.93 lakh on the same day. The spokesperson noted this increase in passenger numbers.

On Wednesday, more than 6.10 lakh commuters travelled on the Blue Line between Dakshineswar and Sahid Khudiram. Meanwhile, the Green Line saw a passenger count of 2.05 lakh. These figures highlight the growing reliance on Metro services during this festive period.

Smart Card Sales Surge

The extension of the Smart Card validity from one year to ten years began on September 25, offering additional benefits to users. By Thursday at 5 pm, a total of 2,839 Smart Cards had been sold, compared to just 1,739 cards sold by the same time the previous day.

The increased availability of special services and extended Smart Card validity are expected to enhance commuter convenience during Durga Puja. These measures aim to accommodate the rising number of passengers and improve overall travel experience in Kolkata.

The Metro Railway's efforts reflect a commitment to meeting public demand during one of West Bengal's most celebrated festivals. With expanded routes and increased capacity, Kolkata's Metro is poised to play a crucial role in facilitating smooth travel for thousands of residents and visitors alike.

With inputs from PTI