Kolkata Metro Network Route Map 2026, Fares, Timings & Stations
Official passenger guide covering route planner, fare charts (₹5–₹50), train timings, and station details across all operational corridors.
Facts & Key Technical Figures
About Kolkata Metro Network
Historical origins, technological milestones, and the twin-city transit transformation.
Kolkata Metro holds a premier place in Indian transportation history as the nation's first underground rapid transit system. First conceived in 1949 by the visionary Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy, to ease immense vehicular congestion on narrow colonial thoroughfares, the project received central government sanction in 1972 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
On 24 October 1984, commercial services officially commenced between Esplanade and Bhowanipore (now Netaji Bhavan), covering an initial stretch of 3.4 km. Kolkata thus joined the elite club of global cities operating modern subway systems, decades before any other Indian metropolis.
Over the past four decades, Kolkata Metro has evolved from a single North-South lifeline into a multi-corridor network spanning four operational routes and two under active development. Operated directly as Zone 17 of Indian Railways, it remains the only metro in India directly managed by the Ministry of Railways.
India's First Underwater River Crossing (Hooghly River)
In March 2024, Kolkata Metro scripted civil engineering history by commissioning the 520-meter subaqueous section of Line 2 beneath the perennial Hooghly River. Connecting the heritage twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah in just 45 seconds underwater at a depth of 32 meters below ground level, this feat eliminated century-old traffic chokepoints on the Howrah Bridge and Vidyasagar Setu.
Key Milestones Timeline
- 1972Foundation stone laid for India's first metro corridor.
- 1984First commercial run between Esplanade & Bhowanipore.
- 2010Formally constituted as the 17th Zone of Indian Railways.
- 2020Line 2 (East-West Green Line) Phase 1 opens in Salt Lake.
- 2024Inauguration of underwater tunnel (Howrah Maidan–Esplanade).
Kolkata Metro Network Fare Chart 2026: Distance Slabs, Token Rates & Smart Card Rules
Transparent distance-based fare structure, Smart Card savings, and official ticketing guidelines.
Distance-Based Fare Slabs (KMRC Approved)
| Distance (km) | Normal Fare (₹) | Smart Card (₹) | Commuter Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 2 km | ₹5 | ₹5Eff. ₹4.5 | 10% Bonus |
| 2 – 5 km | ₹10 | ₹10Eff. ₹9 | 10% Bonus |
| 5 – 10 km | ₹15 | ₹15Eff. ₹13.5 | 10% Bonus |
| 10 – 20 km | ₹20 | ₹20Eff. ₹18 | 10% Bonus |
| Above 20 km | ₹25 | ₹25Eff. ₹22.5 | 10% Bonus |
Continuous Distance Rating: Fares are calculated continuously across interchanges (e.g. Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V via Esplanade) ranging from ₹5 to ₹50.
Metro Smart Card
Security deposit: ₹80 (₹60 refundable upon card surrender in working condition). Enjoy a 10% bonus value on every recharge. Valid across all lines for 1 year.
120-Minute Overstay Rule
Maximum allowed duration inside the paid concourse/platform area is 2 hours (120 mins). Beyond this, an overstay penalty of ₹10/hour applies up to ₹100.
Token Loss Penalty
Single journey tokens must be dropped into the exit AFC turnstile gate. Loss or damage of a token incurs a replacement penalty of ₹250 plus journey fare.
Available Tickets & Travel Cards
Official fare media and travel passes accepted across Kolkata Metro Network
Paper QR Ticket / Token
Ideal for occasional commuters and visitors. Valid only on the day of issue for a single point-to-point journey.
Metro Smart Card
Tap-and-go convenience. Receive an automatic 10% bonus value on every recharge with zero queues.
Mobile App QR Ticket
Skip station ticket lines completely. Book digital QR tickets on the Aamar Kolkata Metro app and receive an exclusive 5% discount on all Blue Line journeys with ₹0 convenience charges.
Official Transit Notices & Operational Advisories
Green Line Sunday service operates from 14:15
The East–West Metro (Howrah–Sector V) does not run in the morning on Sundays. Commercial services begin at 14:15 and operate through 21:50.
Purple Line: Limited operations (Joka–Majerhat)
Operates Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 15:35 hrs. Extension to Esplanade is under construction. No Sunday service currently operated.
QR Ticketing & Smart Card 10% Recharge Bonus
Mobile QR tickets are available via the 'Metro Ride Kolkata' app to avoid ticket queues. Metro Smart Cards provide an automatic 10% bonus value on every recharge.
Multi-Line Underground Concourse Transfer at Esplanade
Direct subway passageways connect Line 1 (Blue) and Line 2 (Green) at Esplanade. Follow colored floor decals between concourses for seamless cross-line transfer.
Kolkata Metro Network Lines Directory & Operating Timings 2026
Operational network corridors, terminal stations, first & last train departures, and peak frequencies.
Commuter Travel Advisory: Special late-night services operate at 22:40 hrs on the Blue Line (Line 1) between Kavi Subhash and Dum Dum. Sunday morning services on the Green Line (Line 2) commence at 14:15 hrs. Passengers are advised to reach boarding platforms at least 10 minutes prior to final departure.
Kolkata Metro Network Stations Directory & Key Hubs
Explore all 48 operational stations across 4 corridors with line interchanges and accessibility amenities.
Official Kolkata Metro Network Map
Schematic network diagram covering operational and under-construction lines, interchanges, and Hooghly river crossing.
