The Purple Line of Kolkata Metro, also known as the Joka Metro route, was constructed by Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) and has been operational between Joka and Taratala since 2023. The project faced over 12 years of construction delays due to land availability issues and the collapse of the Majerhat Bridge. Despite these challenges, the line officially began commercial operations on January 2, 2023, attracting nearly 5,000 passengers on its first day. Continue reading to learn more about the status and future developments of the Kolkata Metro Purple Line.
Overview of Kolkata Metro Purple Line
Kolkata Metro Line 3, also known as the Purple Line, is a key route in the Kolkata Metro system. The initial 6.5-kilometer stretch from Joka to Taratala, part of the 15.08-kilometer line, was inaugurated on December 30, 2022, with an extension to Majerhat completed on March 6, 2024. Once fully operational, the route will cover 15.08 kilometres from Joka in south to Esplanade in north, with a future 3.39-kilometer extension to Diamond Park.  In January 2025, Metro authorities proposed extending the Joka-Esplanade by another 1.6 km to Eden Gardens. The line will connect with Kolkata Metro Line 1 at Park Street and run parallel to Esplanade, where it will also link with Kolkata Metro Line 2. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) is responsible for the development and expansion of the Purple Line.
Key facts about Joke Metro Route
| Name | Purple Line Kolkata Metro |
| Other names | Joka Metro route, Diamond Park – Esplanade Metro, Kolkata Metro Line 3 |
| Length | Total: 20.07 km
Operational: 7.75 km Under Construction: 7.33 km Planned: 3.39 kilometres + 1.6 kilometres |
| Layout | Both underground and elevated |
| Number of stations | 7 (operational) |
| Number of tracks | 2 |
| Status | Phase 1- Operational
Phase 2- Under Construction Phase 3- Planned |
| Connecting lines | Green and Blue Lines |
Development of Joka Metro route
The Kolkata Metro Line 3 project has faced several delays, primarily due to the unavailability of land. It wasn’t until 2019 that Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) secured the necessary land, allowing construction to begin. In December 2019, tenders were issued for the underground section between Majherhat and Esplanade. By September 15, 2022, the stretch from Joka to Taratala had been fully constructed and electrified, with testing trials underway using old, decommissioned metro rakes. On December 30, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Joka-Taratala stretch of the Kolkata Metro’s Purple Line, including the Joka metro station. After overcoming numerous challenges, the Taratala-Majerhat section of Kolkata Metro Line 3 was inaugurated on March 6, 2024, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This inauguration coincided with the opening of truncated sections of Line 2 (Esplanade-Howrah Maidan) and Line 6 (Kavi Subhash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay). The Majherhat-Esplanade section is expected to open in 2028.
Route of Kolkata Metro Purple Line
Kolkata Metro Purple Line 3 is being developed in three phases. Currently, under Phase-1, the line is operational from Joka to Majherhat, covering seven stations. The next phase, from Majherhat to Esplanade, includes five additional stations (excluding Majherhat, which is already in service) and is expected to be completed by 2028. Additionally, a planned extension will take the line from Diamond Park to Joka, with a station at IIM Calcutta located along the route. Moreover, the metro authorities have proposed extending the Joka-Esplanade by another 1.6 km to Eden Gardens, making it the terminal station.
Stations on Kolkata Metro Purple Line
| Station name | Status | Phase | Layout |
| Diamond Park | Planned | 3 | Elevated |
| IIM Calcutta | Planned | 3 | Elevated |
| Joka | Operational | 1 | Elevated |
| Thakurpukur | Operational | 1 | Elevated |
| Sakher Bazar | Operational | 1 | Elevated |
| Behala Chowrasta | Operational | 1 | Elevated |
| Behala Bazar | Operational | 1 | Elevated |
| Taratala | Operational | 1 | Elevated |
| Majerhat | Operational | 1 | Elevated |
| Mominpur | Under construction | 2 | Elevated |
| Khidirpur | Under construction | 2 | Underground |
| Victoria | Under construction | 2 | Underground |
| Park Street | Under construction | 2 | Underground |
| Esplanade | Under construction | 2 | Underground |
| Eden Garden | Proposed | 3 | Underground |
Interchange stations on Joka Metro Route
The Kolkata Metro Purple Line (Joka Metro Route) is being developed to integrate seamlessly with the city’s broader metro network. Once fully operational, it will offer key interchange points to enhance commuter convenience and reduce travel time across different parts of Kolkata.
- Park Street (Under Construction – Phase 2): This station will serve as an important interchange between the Purple Line and the North-South Corridor (Blue Line or Line 1). Park Street is a centrally located hub on Kolkata Metro’s oldest and busiest line, which connects Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhash. Once operational, commuters from Joka and Behala will be able to switch lines here to access major destinations like Gariahat, Kalighat, Dum Dum, and more.
- Esplanade (Under Construction – Phase 2): Esplanade is poised to become a major triple interchange station, linking the Purple Line with both the Blue Line (North-South Corridor) and the Green Line (East-West Corridor). This makes it a pivotal node in Kolkata’s metro network, allowing seamless movement between eastern tech hubs like Salt Lake Sector V, major railway stations like Howrah, and residential zones across the south. The integration at Esplanade will significantly reduce travel time across the city and offer better last-mile connectivity for officegoers and shoppers alike.
- Eden Gardens (Proposed – Phase 3): The proposed Eden Gardens station, part of the planned 1.6 km extension from Esplanade, is expected to serve as an interchange with the Green Line (East-West Corridor). Located close to iconic landmarks like Eden Gardens Stadium, BBD Bagh, and the Hooghly River, this station will offer enhanced accessibility for both daily commuters and tourists. Once operational, it will provide an alternative access point to the East-West Metro, easing pressure on Esplanade.
Schedule and fare for Joka Metro route
The first train of the Joka Metro route leaves at 8.55 AM and the last train arrives at 4.20 PM. On the other hand, the first and last trains of Kolkata Metro at Taratala Metro station leave at 09.20 AM and 04.40 PM respectively. The minimum fare for travelling on the Joka Metro is Rs 5 and the maximum fare is Rs 20. Refer to the table below to know about the fare structure for the Purple Line Kolkata Metro.Â
| Stations | Distance (in km) | Fare (in Rs) |
| Joka to Thakurpukur | 1.45 | 5 |
| Joka to Sakherbazar | 2.67 | 10 |
| Joka to Behala Chowrasta | 4.13 | 10 |
| Joka to Behala Bazar | 5.46 | 20 |
| Joka to Taratala | 6.50 | 20 |
You can purchase a tourist smart card for metro travel at either Rs 250 or Rs 550. These cards are valid for three and five days, respectively. Additionally, Rs 80 security deposit is required.
Joka metro route’s nearby landmarks and connectivity
The Joka Metro route (Purple Line) improves connectivity for South Kolkata’s residential neighbourhoods while linking them to central business and cultural hubs. Each station along the line is surrounded by key institutions, markets, and recreational spots, making daily commuting and weekend travel more convenient.
Operational and under-construction stations
- Diamond Park (Planned): This upcoming terminal station will serve the Diamond Park residential complex and emerging townships along the southern edge of Kolkata.
- IIM Calcutta (Planned): Located next to the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, one of India’s premier management schools. The station will also benefit Joka’s academic and residential communities.
- Joka: Close to IIM Calcutta, Joka tram depot, and several schools and housing complexes. Local buses and autos provide last-mile links toward Thakurpukur and Behala.
- Thakurpukur: Surrounded by residential areas, nursing homes, and local markets, this station caters to students and daily officegoers.
- Sakher Bazar: A bustling junction in Behala, known for Sakher Bazar market, retail shops, and small eateries. Autos and rickshaws ensure connectivity to nearby residential pockets.
- Behala Chowrasta: Located near schools, banks, and medical facilities, this station is a convenient stop for commuters from Behala and adjoining neighbourhoods.
- Behala Bazar: Serves Behala’s busy wholesale and retail markets, making it a prime location for traders and shoppers.
- Taratala: Close to Taratala Industrial Estate, Garden Reach Shipbuilders, and several offices. It is also connected to the arterial Diamond Harbour Road, with bus and taxi services available.
- Majerhat: Strategically located near Majerhat Railway Station, Alipore Zoo, and the Alipore neighbourhood. This is an important interchange point with suburban railway lines.
- Mominpur (Under Construction): Positioned in a dense residential area, with easy access to local markets and schools.
- Khidirpur (Under Construction): Situated near Kidderpore docks and port areas, offering enhanced connectivity for workers and students in the region.
- Victoria (Under Construction): Located close to Victoria Memorial, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Maidan, making it a gateway for tourists and heritage lovers.
- Park Street (Under Construction): One of Kolkata’s most vibrant areas, Park Street station will connect commuters to restaurants, offices, malls, and entertainment hubs.
- Esplanade (Under Construction): A commercial hub near New Market, BBD Bagh, and several government offices, offering multi-line interchange options.
- Eden Gardens (Proposed): Near the iconic Eden Gardens Stadium, BBD Bagh business district, and Princep Ghat riverside promenade, this station will benefit both tourists and officegoers.
Last-mile connectivity
- Autos and E-rickshaws: Available outside most stations for short-distance travel within Behala, Joka, and Alipore.
- Bus Routes: Diamond Harbour Road and adjacent arterial roads host frequent buses, ensuring easy integration with the metro.
- Railway Links: Majerhat station connects the metro to Kolkata’s suburban railway network, while Esplanade and Eden Gardens provide quick links to Howrah and Sealdah stations via interchange.
Kolkata Metro mobile app
The Metro Ride Kolkata app, developed by the Centre for Railway Information Systems, simplifies metro travel by enabling users to book tickets online effortlessly. The app can be downloaded from platforms like the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
The app provides multiple services, including online ticket booking, smart card recharges, and access to payment history. To book a QR-based metro ticket, users simply select their starting and destination stations, choose a payment method, and complete the transaction.
Additionally, the app allows users to view metro train schedules and timings. A dedicated helpline section ensures commuters can quickly resolve queries or contact the Kolkata Metro Network’s customer support team.
Impact of Joka Metro route on real estate
The launch of the Joka-Majerhat metro service on Kolkata Metro’s Purple Line 3 has significantly boosted the real estate appeal of the surrounding areas. This improved connectivity has turned localities like Thakurpukur, Sakher Bazar, and Behala Chowrasta into hotspots for both developers and homebuyers, owing to their enhanced accessibility and future growth potential.
- Enhanced accessibility and connectivity: The metro line has made areas along its route more accessible, driving up demand for properties in these localities. With improved links to South Kolkata’s educational institutions, healthcare centers, and entertainment hubs, these areas have become prime real estate destinations.
- Increased property values: Properties near the metro stations are experiencing a surge in value due to the convenience and connectivity the metro line offers. This has created lucrative investment opportunities, as these areas are expected to see consistent appreciation in property values.
- Improved quality of life: The Joka-BBD Bagh metro line has transformed the commuting experience, offering a faster and more sustainable mode of transport. Residents in metro-connected neighborhoods benefit from proximity to essential amenities, such as schools, hospitals, restaurants, and shopping centers, enhancing their overall lifestyle.
- Infrastructure development: Metro projects often bring about infrastructure upgrades, including better roads, pedestrian paths, and public spaces. These improvements, coupled with the metro’s introduction, have made the surrounding areas more desirable for homebuyers and investors alike, cementing their status as rapidly developing real estate markets.
Housing.com POV
Joka Metro route, also known as Kolkata Metro Purple Line, marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity between south and north Kolkata. Despite the challenges faced during its construction, the route has become an integral part of the city’s transportation network. With its strategic expansion plans, including the ongoing construction from Majerhat to Esplanade and the planned extension to Diamond Park, this metro line promises to further boost real estate development and provide residents with efficient travel options. As the project progresses, the Purple Line is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of urban mobility and residential growth in Kolkata.
FAQs
Does the Joka Metro operate on Sundays?
Yes, the Joka Metro line operates every day of the week, including Sundays.
What is the status of Joka Metro?
Phase 1 of the Joka Metro route is operational, while construction work on the underground section between Joka and Esplanade is underway and expected to be completed soon.
What are the operating hours for Kolkata Metro's Purple Line?
The current scheduled departures from Joka are at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 4:00 PM, and 5:00 PM. Return trips from Taratala are scheduled at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, and 5:30 PM.
How many stations are on Kolkata Metro's Purple Line?
The Purple Line currently has 14 stations in total: seven are operational, five are under construction, and three are in the planning stage.
How many metro lines does Kolkata have?
Kolkata now has four Metro lines: the North-South or Blue Line, the East-West or Green Line, the New Garia-Ruby or Orange Line, and the Joka-Majerhat or Purple Line, making it the only city besides Delhi NCR with multiple metro lines.
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