Joka Metro route: All about Kolkata Metro Purple Line

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

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

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. 

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.

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.

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