Kolkata Metro Expands Services on Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Route Starting Thursday
Kolkata Metro is set to enhance its services on the Green Line-2 route between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade stations from Thursday, January 23, 2025. This move aims to provide commuters with a more convenient and efficient travel experience, especially during peak hours, and is expected to ease the pressure on the city’s transport network.
Since the successful completion of the first trial run through the West-bound tunnel between Sealdah and Esplanade, Metro Railway Kolkata has decided to increase the number of services on this crucial stretch. Starting from Thursday, a total of 130 services will operate on weekdays, up from the previous 114 services. The extension of services will begin from 7 am and run until 9:45 pm, ensuring a wider window of travel for passengers. One of the key changes will be the revised schedule during peak hours, which are typically the busiest times of day for commuters. Trains will now run at 12-minute intervals between 9 am and 11 am, as well as between 5 pm and 8 pm, providing better frequency and reducing overcrowding. During non-peak hours, Metro trains will operate every 15 minutes, ensuring that services remain regular and efficient throughout the day.
This increase in frequency will also apply to the weekend schedule. On Sundays, the number of services will rise from 46 to 62, with trains running at 15-minute intervals from 2:15 pm to 9:45 pm. This adjustment comes as part of the ongoing effort to enhance commuter convenience, especially for those using the Green Line-2 route for leisure or weekend activities. The decision to increase the number of services follows a period of careful planning and coordination by the Metro Railway authorities. In November 2024, the Kolkata Metro had made temporary changes to its schedule due to the ongoing construction work on the East-West Metro Corridor, which had temporarily affected services on the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade stretch. With the completion of the trial run, the authorities have now successfully improved operations and are confident that the expanded service will provide a smoother and more reliable experience for commuters.
The Howrah Maidan-Esplanade stretch is one of the most important parts of Kolkata Metro’s Green Line-2, connecting two of the city’s busiest areas. By increasing the frequency of services, Metro Railway Kolkata hopes to alleviate some of the challenges faced by passengers, especially during rush hours, and ensure that the city’s transport network continues to meet the growing demands of its population. The increase in services on the Green Line-2 route represents a significant step towards improving Kolkata’s public transport system. Whether you’re a daily commuter or someone using the Metro for occasional trips, the new schedule promises to make travel more convenient, timely, and comfortable. Passengers can expect a more frequent service that fits their needs, particularly during busy periods, with the added benefit of an extended schedule on Sundays.