Kolkata Metro Rail 2026: Complete Guide with Routes, Stations, Timetable, Fares, Latest Updates, Facts & FAQs
Kolkata Metro is the oldest metro rail system of India. It is the pioneer of urban rail transport in the country. It started functioning on 24 October 1984 with a small stretch between Esplanade and Bhowanipore. It’s a multi-line network with modern elevated, underground and at-grade sections serving millions of commuters by May 2026.
Overview & Latest Statistics (2026)
- Total Length KMRC: Total Operational Length of Kolkata Metro Rail is approximately 73–74 km
- Total operational Number of Stations: there are 58 operational stations in KMRC.
- Availables Lines & Their color: 5 operational Lines of colors including Blue, Green, Purple, Yellow, Orange.
- Approximate Daily Ridership: there is over 800,000 passengers on average travel daily in Kolkata Metro.
- Kolkata Metro Operator: Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC) operates it with association of Metro Railway, Kolkata (under Indian Railways) .
- Special Feature: Only metro in India which is fully operated by Indian Railways.
Major Operational Lines in Kolkata Metro (2026)
| Metro Line | Line Name & Color | Key Route Name | Approx. Length of metro lines | Total Stations | Metro Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | Blue Line (North-South) | Dakshineswar – Kavi Subhash (New Garia) | ~32 km | 26 | Fully Operational |
| Green | Green Line (East-West) | Howrah Maidan – Salt Lake Sector V | ~16.6 km | 12 | Fully Operational (Aug 2025) |
| Purple | Purple Line (Joka) | Joka – Majerhat | ~7.75 km | 7 | Operational |
| Yellow | Yellow Line (Airport) | Noapara – Jai Hind (Airport) | ~7 km | 4+ | Partial (opened 2025) |
| Orange | Orange Line | Kavi Subhash – Beleghata | ~9.8 km | 9 | Partial |
Note : Fast progress is being made on further extensions of the Orange and Yellow lines.
Kolkata Metro Rail Latest Updates
- The Green Line is completely functional every day since August 2025 with the completion of the Esplanade–Sealdah stretch.
- The Yellow Line (Noapara to Airport) opened in 2025.
- By the end of 2026, Kolkata Metro will have added 19 km of routes, bringing the total to around 90 km.
- The Orange Line will operate the New Garia to Airport corridor with key viaducts completed by late 2026.
- Beyond that, they are focusing on faster headways so that the Airport and the IT hubs (Sector V) can be reached and connected better with South Kolkata.
- In the next few years, 130 km of the network is expected to be completed.
Kolkata Metro Fares (2026)
Kolkata Metro rail has the lowest metro service fares in India:
- Fare for 0–2 km: ₹5
- Fare for 2–5 km: ₹10
- Fare for 5–10 km: ₹15–20
- Fare for 10–20 km: ₹20–30
- Fare for 20+ km: Up to ₹25–30 (Blue Line)
Special Cards:
Kolkata metro rail is also offering smart cards.
- Tourist Smart Card: ₹250 (1-day unlimited) / ₹550 (3-day)
- Smart Cards available with refund desposite policy.
Kolkata Metro Rail Timetable
From First to Last Trains
Generally Operated Hours: 6:30/6:50 AM to 9:40–10:40 PM (varies by line and day)
| Metro Line | First Train (from Terminal) | Last Train (from Terminal) | Frequency (Peak Hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Line | ~6:45 – 6:50 AM | ~9:40 – 9:55 PM | 5–10 minutes |
| Green Line | ~7:00 AM | ~9:40 – 9:45 PM | 8–12 minutes |
| Other Lines | Varies | Varies | 10–15 minutes |
- Weekdays Service Timetable: Usually Longer service hours are served on weekdays
- Sundays Timetable: Sunday time is slightly different from weekdays and shorter. starts later on some lines.
- Metro Peak Hours: 8:30–11:00 AM and 5:00–8:00 PM are peak hours for kolkata metro as most of travellers take ride between this time.
- Special Services Serve during Durga Puja Festival: Kolkata metro offers extended/night services during Durga Puja (Saptami to Navami) for pandal hopping.
Special Services & Facilities
- Special ladie’s coaches are available for safety in all train.
- Special Night Services on Durga Puja which runs till early morning.
- All New line fully air-conditioned trains
- Exellent connectivity with with buses, ferries, and trams at major stations.
- Great Security including CCTV surveillance and improved security.
- The metro stations have facilities for passengers, with disabilities like lifts and ramps.
Benefits & Interesting Facts
- First Metro of India– Kolkata metro rail is first metro system in india started in 1984.
- Its has deepest underground station and largest underground station in our country.
- KMRC has mix of Broad Gauge and Standard Gauge tracks.
- Kolkata metro rail hepls in reducing road congestion in one of the India’s busiest city.
- Getting operated through electricity makes metro rail an eco-friendly and sustainable mode of transportation.
Tip: Always check the official KMRC website or app for schedule updates, as timings can change/update during festivals or maintenance.
Conclusion
Kolkata metro rail is one of oldest metro sytem india and expanding rapidly modern network. Kolkata Metro play a important role in the city’s urban mobility. Whether you are someone who uses the Kolkata Metro every day, you are a tourist visiting the City of Joy or if you are going to the airport the Kolkata Metro rail is best a option for transportation. It offers affordable, reliable, and eco-friendly travel.
