Quick Facts
- Opened
- 24 October 1984 (India's oldest metro)
- Operator
- Metro Railway Kolkata (Indian Railways)
- Stations
- 60 (expanding)
- Lines
- 6
- Daily riders
- ~750,000
- Network
- ~60 km
- Unique
- India's first metro — under Indian Railways
- Payment
- Token, Smart Card, UPI
Kolkata Metro is India's oldest metro railway and was the first metro system to open in the country. Opened on 24 October 1984 (with public service from 1995), it holds the distinction of being the only metro operated by Indian Railways (rather than a state metro corporation).
The original Line 1 (Blue Line) runs north-south through the heart of Kolkata from Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhas (New Garia), passing through major hubs like Dum Dum, Maidan, and Park Street. New lines are rapidly expanding the network — the East-West Metro (Orange Line, connecting Howrah to Salt Lake) features the Hooghly river tunnel, India's first underwater metro tunnel.
The network is managed by Metro Railway Kolkata, a zone of Indian Railways under the Ministry of Railways. This unique status means Kolkata Metro integrates with Indian Railways ticketing at some interchange points and uses a centralised token system.
The fare system is token-based (for single trips) and Smart Card-based. The Smart Card gives a 10% discount. Fares range from ₹5 to ₹25 depending on distance — among the lowest metro fares in India and the world.
Kolkata's metro is notable for its historical significance, low fares, and increasing expansion. The East-West line's underwater tunnel section beneath the Hooghly river opened in 2023, making it an engineering landmark.
How to Pay
Payment methods: Token (single-trip) · Metro Smart Card · UPI (QR at machines).
💡 At just ₹5–₹25 per trip, Kolkata Metro has the lowest fares of any metro in India. The Smart Card (₹50 deposit) gives a 10% discount. Monthly passes are excellent value for daily commuters.
Peak hours: No peak surcharge — flat fares at all times — fares are higher during these times. Travel off-peak where possible to save money.
Kolkata Metro Lines
Key Stations on the Kolkata Metro
Ticket Prices
Payment methods: Token (single-trip), Metro Smart Card, UPI (QR at machines).
💡 At just ₹5–₹25 per trip, Kolkata Metro has the lowest fares of any metro in India. The Smart Card (₹50 deposit) gives a 10% discount. Monthly passes are excellent value for daily commuters.
| Journey | Off-Peak (INR) | Peak (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 0–5 km | ₹5 | ₹5 |
| 5–10 km | ₹10 | ₹10 |
| 10–20 km | ₹15 | ₹15 |
| 20–30 km | ₹20 | ₹20 |
| 30+ km | ₹25 | ₹25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kolkata Metro really the oldest metro in India?
Yes — Kolkata Metro (Line 1) opened on 24 October 1984, making it India's first metro by 12 years (Delhi Metro opened in 2002). It is operated uniquely by Indian Railways, not a state metro corporation — the only metro in India under direct central government railway operation.
What is the East-West Metro (Orange Line)?
Line 2 (Orange Line) runs from Howrah Maidan under the Hooghly river (through India's first underwater metro tunnel) to Esplanade, then east to Sector V in Salt Lake. The underwater tunnel section opened in 2023 and is an engineering landmark. The full line connects Howrah to the Salt Lake IT corridor.
How do I get from Howrah Station to central Kolkata by metro?
The Orange Line runs from Howrah Maidan station (a short walk from Howrah Railway Station) through the underwater tunnel to Esplanade — about 5 minutes. From Esplanade, change to the Blue Line for Park Street, Maidan, and north/south Kolkata.
Does Kolkata Metro go to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Airport?
The Violet Line (Line 4) is planned to extend to Netaji Subhas Airport — construction is in progress. As of 2026, check the latest status at mtp.indianrailways.gov.in. The Blue Line's Dum Dum station is accessible via bus from the airport.
What time does Kolkata Metro run?
Monday–Saturday: 06:45–21:45. Sunday: 08:45–21:45. Kolkata Metro has an earlier last-train time than most Indian metros. Note reduced hours on Sundays.
Which station is closest to Victoria Memorial?
Maidan station (Blue Line) is the closest — a 10–15 minute walk to Victoria Memorial. Exit the station and walk south through the Maidan park. The Rabindra Sarani (Chowringhee) area is also easily accessible from Maidan station.
Can I use the Indian Railways Smart Card on Kolkata Metro?
The Metro Smart Card is specific to Kolkata Metro (Metro Railway Kolkata). It is not the same as the IRCTC travel card or general Indian Railways cards. Buy the dedicated Metro Smart Card at metro station counters.
Is the Kolkata Metro safe to use at night?
The metro itself is safe — well-patrolled with CISF security personnel at stations. However, the metro closes relatively early (~21:45). After metro hours, auto-rickshaws, yellow taxis, and Ola/Uber are available across the city.
Source: Metro Railway Kolkata (Indian Railways) and Wikipedia. Always verify fares with the official operator.