The Kolkata Metro network is the first rapid transit system introduced in India in 1984 when a section from Esplanade to Bhowanipur (now known as Netaji Bhavan Metro Station) became operational. The section covered 3.4 km, comprising five stations. The Esplanade Metro Station, which is a part of the Kolkata Metro Line 1, is a crucial interchange point between the North-South and East-West corridors of Kolkata Metro.
The Esplanade Metro Rail Station is undergoing expansion to integrate metro lines 2 and 3 and set to become the largest metro station in Kolkata.
Esplanade Metro Rail Station: Latest updates
Work on Joka Metro’s Esplanade Station to begin by 2024 end
May 14, 2024: The Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), overseeing the 14-km project, has proposed a phased construction approach for the Esplanade Metro Rail Station. This new strategy involves splitting the metro station’s construction in two phases rather than completing it all at once.
The proposal has been submitted to the state PWD and the Eastern Command for approval. Once approved, construction of the Esplanade Metro Rail Station will commence by 2024 end.
Esplanade Metro Rail Station: Quick facts
| Location | Esplanade, Kolkata |
| Inauguration | 1984 |
| Coordinates | 22.56490 N and 88.35170 E |
| Owned by | Kolkata Metro |
| Metro line | Blue Line, Green Line and Purple Line |
| Number of platforms | Four island platforms and two side platforms |
| Number of tracks | Six |
| Structure type | Underground |
| Station code | KESP |
| Electrified | 750 V DC Third Rail |
Esplanade Metro Rail Station location
The Esplanade Metro Rail Station is located on the northern end of Jawaharlal Nehru Road or Chowringhee Road in Esplanade. There are prominent landmarks in the neighbourhood, such as new market and the Oberoi Grand Hotel.
Address: Esplanade Metro Rail Station, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Esplanade, Kolkata, West Bengal-700013
Coordinates: 22.56490 N and 88.35170 E
| Preceding station | Metro lines | Following station |
| Chandni Chowk towards Dakshineswar | Blue Line | Park Street towards Kavi Subhash |
| Sealdah towards Salk Lake Sector V | Green Line | Mahakaran towards Howrah Maidan |
| Park Street towards Joka | Purple Line | Terminus |
Esplanade Metro Rail Station route map
Source: www.kmrc.in
Esplanade Metro Rail Station design and facilities
The Esplanade Metro Rail Station is located between the North-South Line 1 and the East-West Line 2 intersection. It serves as an underground metro station for all the three corridors. Top-down building methods have been used to develop the massive underground facility in the deltaic soil and sprayed concrete lining tunnels were added to eliminate piled barriers.
The Esplanade Metro Rail Station is equipped with various facilities, such as CCTV cameras at strategic locations to maintain security and safety of commuters. The station also has disabled access. There is no designated parking facility near the metro station.
Esplanade Metro Rail Station: Timings and fare
The Kolkata Metro timings on line 1 during weekdays (Monday to Saturday) are from 6:45 am to 9:55 pm.
The last train reaches its destination at 10:45 pm.
The Kolkata Metro timings on line 1 during Sundays are from 9:50 am to 9:55 pm.
The metro fare ranges from Rs 5 to Rs 25.
Esplanade Metro Rail Station gates
| Esplanade metro rail station gates | Location it takes you |
| Gate 1 and 3 (Rani Rashmoni Gate of Curzon Park) | Esplanade, Kolkata, India 700013 |
| Gate 2 | 5, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, New Market Area, Dharamatala, Taltala, Kolkata – 700013 |
| Gate 4 | 1, SN Banerjee Road, New Market Area, Dharamatala, Taltala, Kolkata – 700013 |
| Gate 5 | 12, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, New Market Area, Dharamatala, Taltala, Kolkata – 700013 |
| Gate 6 | 4, Chowringhee Pl, New Market, Dharamatala, Taltala, Kolkata – 700013 |
| Gate 7 | Dufferin Road, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700069 |
| Gate 8 | 17, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Maidan, Kolkata, West Bengal – 700069 |
There are seven entry/exit gates at the Esplanade Metro Rail Station.
Esplanade Metro Rail Station: Nearby landmarks
| Landmark | Distance |
| Tipu Sultan Mosque | 0.45 km |
| Raj Bhavan | 0.8 km |
| Indian Museum | 1.3 km |
| Town Hall | 1.2 km |
| Eden Gardens | 1.1 km |
| Calcutta High Court | 1.4 km |
| General Post Office (GPO) | 1.6 km |
| Marble Palace | 2.5 km |
| Birla Planetarium | 5.2 km |
| Victoria Memorial | 3.1 km |
| Howrah Bridge | 3.3 km |
Housing.com News Viewpoint
The Esplanade Metro Rail Station witnesses a daily footfall of six lakh passengers as it is a busy interchange section and in proximity to key tourist attractions. Owing to these factors, the property market around the metro station has seen a significant growth.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |