Big Upgrade For Kolkata Metro: ₹671 Cr Allocated For Higher Frequency Trains

The Kolkata Metro, which serves around 500,000 passengers daily, is known for having India’s deepest and largest underground metro station. The Howrah metro station, part of the Green Line, is India's deepest station at 34 meters below ground. And now, in a major step towards enhancing metro rail capacity, funding of ₹671.72 crore has been approved to enhance the North–South Corridor of the Kolkata Metro Railway. Read on for all the details.

This project involves the establishment of seven new Traction Substations with a total investment of ₹291.06 crore.

Additionally, it includes the enhancement and modernization of Auxiliary and Traction Substation systems spanning from KESP (Esplanade Metro) to KMUK (Kavi Subhash – New Garia) along the North-South Corridor of the Kolkata Metro. This also includes upgrading the power supply for the elevated sections from KNTJ (Netaji Metro Station) to KKVS (Kavi Subhash Metro Station) by transitioning from the existing 11 KV system to a more robust 33 KV system, at a cost of ₹380.66 crore.

Kolkata Metro Was Established In 1984

Originally constructed in the 1980s, the Kolkata Metro was designed to facilitate train operations every five minutes. However, with an increase in passenger numbers, there is now a greater demand for more frequent services. The approval of this project will help the Kolkata Metro to reduce the waiting time between trains to just 2.5 minutes, thus significantly improving both capacity and frequency of service.

The current substations and equipment are strained and face maintenance issues due to a lack of available spare parts. The planned upgrades will ensure a reliable power supply, support the higher train frequency, and improve the passenger experience.

Indian Railways Approves ₹223.58 Crore For The Adra Bridge Project

The Indian Railways has also approved ₹223.58 crore for the Adra Bridge Project, aimed at strengthening a critical freight corridor and industrial connectivity. This investment will fund the construction of Bridge No. 520 UP & 520 DN (substructure) on the Madhukunda–Damodar segment, along with necessary yard remodelling and track enhancements.

The existing Damodar Bridge, built in 1965 (UP) and 1903 (DN), has deteriorated and requires reconstruction of its foundation and substructure. This crucial link between Asansol and Tatanagar supports a busy DFC feeder route and coal corridor, handling a traffic density of 67 GMT. The project is set to improve safety, reliability, and operational efficiency while boosting industries in the Durgapur–Asansol area.