STN: Kolkata Metro is planning a major expansion of its network in the coming years. The total network is expected to reach around 130 km as new corridors and sections become operational.
The expansion comes as more people are using Metro services for daily travel. Passenger numbers have also supported an increase in Metro Railway’s revenue.
Metro Railway General Manager Prem Sagar Gupta shared the expansion plan during his Independence Day speech at Metro Rail Bhavan. He also spoke about passenger growth, revenue and the use of digital ticketing services.
Kolkata Metro Network Expansion Planned
The Kolkata Metro network currently covers several corridors across the city. More sections are under construction or being developed.
According to Gupta, the network is expected to grow to around 130 km. The expansion will take Metro services to more parts of Kolkata and nearby areas.
Several projects are already in progress. These include the Joka-Esplanade corridor, which is part of the Purple Line. The Orange Line, connecting New Garia with the airport, is another project being developed.
The new corridors are expected to give passengers more travel options. They will also provide connections with existing Metro services, roads and suburban railway services.
The expansion is important as Kolkata continues to see demand for public transport. A larger Metro network can help passengers travel between different parts of the city without depending only on road transport.
Kolkata Metro Projects Under Development
The Joka-Esplanade corridor is one of the important projects being developed in the city. It is expected to improve connectivity between Joka and central parts of Kolkata.
The Orange Line is another major project. It will connect New Garia with the airport corridor. Once more sections become operational, passengers will have additional options for travelling across the city.
The development of these corridors will also increase the reach of the Metro system. More stations and connections can make daily travel easier for people living and working in different parts of Kolkata.
Kolkata Metro Recorded 23.60 Crore Passengers in 2025-26
Passenger numbers have remained strong. According to Gupta, Kolkata Metro carried 23.60 crore passengers during 2025-26.
The figure shows the role of Metro services in daily travel across the city. Thousands of passengers use the system every day for work, education, business and other activities.
The increase in passenger numbers is also important for the financial performance of Metro Railway. More passengers can support higher ticket revenue when services and usage continue to grow.
Metro Railway Revenue Rises in 2026
Metro Railway has also reported higher earnings. According to Gupta, Metro Railway earned ₹166 crore between April and July 2026.
The revenue was 34% higher than the amount recorded during the same period in the previous year.
The rise in earnings comes as passenger numbers remain strong. The expansion of the network could further support revenue growth as more sections become operational and more passengers use Metro services.
Digital Ticketing Use Increases
Kolkata Metro is also seeing greater use of digital ticketing and payment options.
Passengers can use digital services for several Metro-related transactions. These include:
- Buying tokens and smart cards
- Purchasing QR-based tickets
- Recharging smart cards
- Using Metro ticketing services through the Aamar Kolkata Metro app
The Aamar Kolkata Metro app is available through both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Digital ticketing can make the ticket-buying process easier. It can also reduce the need for passengers to wait at ticket counters, especially during busy hours.
As more passengers use mobile-based services, digital ticketing can become an important part of the Metro system.
Safety and Passenger Services Remain a Focus
Network expansion will increase the number of passengers using Metro services. It will also require Metro Railway to maintain service reliability and safety across existing and new corridors.
Gupta also highlighted work related to operational safety and passenger facilities.
As new sections open, stations and services will need to handle higher passenger volumes. Better passenger facilities and reliable operations will therefore remain important areas for Metro Railway.
The planned expansion to around 130 km will change the way people travel across Kolkata and nearby areas. With new corridors under development, rising passenger numbers and increased revenue, Metro Railway is preparing for a larger role in the city’s public transport system.
FAQs About Kolkata Metro
A: The network is expected to expand to around 130 km in the coming years.
A: Metro Railway General Manager Prem Sagar Gupta discussed the expansion during his Independence Day speech at Metro Rail Bhavan.
A: The exact operational network length can change as new sections open. The expansion plan aims to take the overall network to around 130 km.
A: The Orange Line is being developed to connect New Garia with the airport corridor.
A: The app provides digital Metro ticketing services. Passengers can use it for Metro-related ticketing and other services.
A: Yes. Some Metro corridors provide connections with Kolkata’s wider public transport system, including suburban railway services.
A: Kolkata Metro carried 23.60 crore passengers during 2025-26, according to Metro Railway General Manager Prem Sagar Gupta.
A: Metro Railway earned ₹166 crore between April and July 2026, according to Gupta.
