The Kolkata Metro network, which includes two operational lines covering a total length of around 38 kilometre, is gradually expanding to provide connectivity to other parts of the city. Kolkata Metro Line 6, or the Orange Line, is an under-construction metro line that will connect New Garia with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport through the satellite towns of Salt Lake and New Town. Commercial operations on the Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section of the Orange Line is expected to begin soon. The Orange Line is expected to be operational by 2026.
The Kolkata Metro Line 6 project was approved in 2010. With a projected daily ridership of 5 Lakh, the metro route is expected to improve connectivity in the city’s southern and eastern parts while enabling smooth access to the airport. Further, the upcoming metro project will significantly impact the real estate market along the route, boosting investment avenues and demand for properties.
The Kolkata Metro network is witnessing expansion. The Joka-Taratala stretch of the Purple Line was inaugurated last year. The expansion will boost connectivity in the southern part of the city, with construction cost of Rs 2,477.25 crore.
See also: Metro Route in Kolkata: East-West Metro Route Map Details
Kolkata Metro Orange Line: Construction update
Trial runs on the New Garia- Ruby section began on December 12, 2023. Inspections by the Commissioner of Railway Safety were also conducted on the Orange Line.
The Metro Railway is undergoing trial runs on the Kavi-Subash-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section. The section has received the required approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). The metro has completed five round trips using an air-conditioned Medha rake to assess factors such as track conditions, power supply, proper docking of the rake, and the efficiency of station staff. According to media reports, the new metro line is expected to be operational by January 2024.
Kolkata Metro Orange Line: Quick facts
| Metro Line | Kolkata Metro Line 6 (Orange Line), Airport Metro |
| Status | Under-construction |
| Number of stations | 24 |
| Length | 29.87 |
| Operating speed | 80 kmph |
| Developed by | Kolkata Metro Rail Corportation |
| Operator | Metro Railway, Kolkata |
| Connecting lines | Blue Line, Green Line and Yellow Line |
| Termini | Kavi Subhash (south)
Biman Bandar (north) |
Kolkata Metro Orange Line: Stations list
| Station name | Layout | Interchange |
| Jai Hind / Biman Bandar | Underground | Yellow Line |
| VIP Road / Haldiram | Elevated | Green Line |
| Chinar Park | Elevated | |
| City Centre – 2 | Elevated | |
| Mangaldeep | Elevated | |
| Eco Park | Elevated | |
| Mother’s Wax Museum | Elevated | |
| Shiksha Tirtha | Elevated | |
| Biswa Bangla Convention Centre | Elevated | |
| Swapno Bhor | Elevated | |
| Nazrul Tirtha | Elevated | |
| Nabadiganta | Elevated | |
| Salt Lake Sector-V | Elevated | Green Line |
| Nalban | Elevated | |
| Gour Kishore Ghosh | Elevated | |
| Beleghata | Elevated | |
| Barun Sengupta | Elevated | |
| Ritwik Ghatak | Elevated | |
| VIP Bazar | Elevated | |
| Hemanta Mukhopadhyay | Elevated | |
| Kavi Sukanta | Elevated | |
| Jyotirindra Nandi | Elevated | |
| Satyajit Ray | Elevated | |
| Kavi Subhash | At Grade | Blue Line |
The Kolkata Metro Line 6 comprises 24 metro stations and four interchange stations.
Kolkata Metro Orange Line: Map
Source: themetrorailguy.com
Kolkata Metro Line 6: Fare
| Metro Station | Metro fare till Mukhopadhyay Station | Metro Line |
| Dakshineswar or Dum Dum | Rs 45 | Blue Line |
| Kalighat, Park Street, Esplanade or Chandni Chowk | Rs 40 | Blue Line |
| Mahanayak Uttam Kumar (Tollygunge) | Rs 35 | Blue Line |
| Kavi Subhash | Rs 20 | Orange Line |
The KMRCL has implemented a Single Ticket System for commuting from the Blue Line to the Orange Line, which is expected to save time and money. The Kolkata Metro fare ranges between Rs 20 and Rs 45.
Kolkata Metro Line 6: Real estate impact
Kolkata was the first Indian city where the metro rail urban mass rapid transit system was introduced, and operations started in 1984. The Kolkata Metro network is a lifeline for commuters travelling to different parts of the city. The development of the Orange Metro Line is expected to boost connectivity and ease traffic congestion in the city.
An upcoming infrastructure project has a significant impact on the value of land in the area. With the expansion of the Kolkata metro network, the areas along the corridor have emerged as preferred real estate destinations by developers, investors, and home seekers. Moreover, it has led to a steady rise in property prices. The prices are expected to rise in future, especially in areas around 4-5 kms from the metro stations.
Owing to easy access, growth of employment opportunities and affordable commuting experience, the localities along the Kolkata Metro Orange Line route have witnessed a substantial rise in demand for commercial properties.
FAQs
Is Hemanta Mukherjee metro station open?
The Kavi Subhash to Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section, which is located on the Kolkata Metro Line 6, is expected to be operational by December 2023.
Is there any metro from Sealdah to New Town?
There is no direct metro connectivity between Sealdah and New Town.
Which was the first metro in India?
The Metro Railway, Kolkata, was the first metro network introduced in India.
Is metro available from the Kolkata airport?
The Kolkata Metro Airport station is expected to be operational by December 2025.
Does New Town Kolkata have metro?
The Kolkata Metro Orange Line will pass through New Town.
How many stations does the Kolkata Metro Orange Line have?
The Kolkata Metro Line 6, also known as the Orange Line, comprises 24.
What is the construction Kolkata Metro Orange Line have?
The estimated cost for the development of the Kolkata Metro orange project is Rs 3951.98 crore.
Who is the owner of Kolkata Metro?
The Metro Railway, Kolkata, owns and operates Kolkata Metro.
Is Kolkata Metro available on Sunday?
Kolkata Metro train services are available from 9 AM to 10:45 PM on Sundays.
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