Yellow Line Metro Nears Completion

 

Location: Kolkata

1. Final Stretch to the Airport

The much-anticipated Yellow Line of Kolkata Metro—running between Noapara and Barasat, with a key segment linking to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport—is now awaiting the final green light from the Commission of Railway Safety (CRS) for the 7 km Noapara–Airport stretch, which is poised for inauguration.

2. Completed Trial Runs & Technical Readiness

  • A full trial run for the Noapara–Jai Hind Biman Bandar (airport) stretch succeeded in January 2025, passing tests for track, third-rail, signaling systems, and station functionalities.

  • With technical compliance confirmed, only CRS approval and minor finishing touches remain before commercial operations can begin.

3. Seamless Inter-Line Connectivity

  • Noapara becomes a major interchange hub, linking the Blue Line (North-South) with the new Yellow Line .

  • A strategically constructed underground joining point, approximately 400 m before the airport station, will facilitate easy transfer between the Orange (city-airport) and Yellow (North-South) lines.

4. Wider Metro Integration & Urban Mobility

  • The Yellow Line marks a decisive step toward completing Kolkata's first comprehensive metro ring, which will interlink the Orange, Green, Blue, and Yellow lines.

  • Once the remaining 366 m gap at Chingrighata is bridged on the Orange Line, the ring’s effectiveness will be maximized, permitting smooth travel between major hubs like Esplanade, Salt Lake/Sector V, New Garia, and the airport.

5. What This Means for Commuters

  • Airport Access Redefined: Commuters and visitors will enjoy a swift, air-conditioned metro ride to the airport—ending traffic woes and parking constraints.

  • Inter-City Mobility Boost: Seamless transfers between metro lines mean quicker trips from Barasat or New Garia through the city center or to airport terminals.

  • Decongested Roads: With a reliable mass transit alternative, fewer private vehicles and taxis will ply congested routes, easing pressure on Kolkata’s roads.

6. Looking Ahead: Barasat Extension & Future Phases

  • The full Yellow Line extends 18 km to Barasat, with sections beyond the airport pending land acquisition and underground construction, expected following the airport segment’s opening.

  • The Dum Dum Cantonment and Jessore Road elevated stations—near the airport—are also in the launch pipeline, strengthening northern connectivity

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