Kolkata Metro to begin Beleghata-Sector V trial run on Saturday

Trial Run Starts

Kolkata Metro is starting a trial run on Saturday for the extended Orange Line stretch from Beleghata to Sector V. If everything goes as planned, passenger services from Kavi Subhash or New Garia straight to Sector V could open by December 25 on Christmas. This new service will help people reach Sector V faster and avoid heavy traffic jams. Commuters working in the Salt Lake IT hub will benefit the most from this direct connection.

Work at Chingrighata

The extension work faced a long delay due to issues in the Chingrighata area. Rail Vikas Nigam Limited finished the remaining work on the 366-meter section and nearby lines in just 90 days after political changes in the state. With this connection complete, the trial run became possible. Before passenger services can start, the trial must succeed and the Commissioner of Railway Safety must give final approval.

Route Details

Currently, Orange Line trains run only on a nine-kilometer stretch from Kavi Subhash to Beleghata. Opening the section up to Sector V will increase the total operational network to over 15 kilometers. The new stretch includes Gourkishore Ghosh, Nalban, and Sector V stations. Third rail charging work on this path is already complete.

Context

The Orange Line is a major ongoing project meant to connect New Garia directly to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Expanding metro networks in growing urban areas helps reduce road congestion and cuts daily travel time for lakhs of office workers.