An Overview of the Kolkata Metro – Routes, Timings, and Recharge

One of the first extensive and busy rail networks in the nation, the Kolkata Metro line links different points in and around the city. Numerous commuters benefit daily from the system’s simple and comfortable rides. The Kolkata Metro line avoids the exhausting traffic jams and soaring pollution of the city. 

The metro line has reduced the price and ease of travel throughout the city. With several metro stations on every corner of the city, there are 40 metro stations, with 3 active metro lines, running 300 trips every day. There are 26 stations in the North-South Corridor, 8 stations in the East-West Corridor and 6 stations in the Joka-Esplanade Corridor. According to KMRC, there will be 3 more metro lines in the future. 

The Kolkata Metro route is a relatively inexpensive and dependable means of travelling to work because it spans a considerable distance from Esplanade to Bhowanipur (Netaji Bhawan). The Kolkata Metro is a secure option for female passengers travelling alone. 

This article will provide you with simple tips and appropriate etiquette for utilising the Kolkata Metro Line.

Kolkata Metro Routes

The Kolkata Metro Line route runs throughout the city, enabling connectivity to different parts of the city. Kolkata Metro Line has 3 operational coloured lines, 2 under-construction lines and one planned coloured line. The track length of the Kolkata Metro is around 46.96 km long. Listed below are the KMRC Line routes.

Kolkata Metro List on Line 1 (Blue)

Kolkata Metro Line started its operations on 24 October 1984 and became the 1st modern rail transit system in India. For the first 35 years of its operational history, it has been the only active modern railway service in India. With its 1676 mm long tracks and 750 Volt direct current (DC), it runs at a maximum speed of 55 km/hr with 5-7 minute headway. It has 8 coaches that run in the north-south direction. 

Green Line

Listed below are the stations covered by the Kolkata Metro Green Line. 

It is important to note that only a few stations on this line are operational. These include the stations from Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah. The first 5 stations (Teghoria to Kestopur) are still in the planned stage. The last 4 stations (Esplanade to Howrah Maidan) are under construction. 

Purple Line

Listed below are the stations covered under the Kolkata Metro Purple Line. 

It is important to note that only a few stations are operational. These include the stations from Joka to Taratala. The first 2 stations (Diamond Park and IIM Calcutta) are still in the planned stage. The last 6 stations (Majerhat to Esplanade) are under construction.

Yellow Line

Listed below are the stations covered under the Kolkata Metro yellow line. 

It is important to note that the Noapara station is operational. The stations, including the ones from Dum Dum Cantonment to Biman Bandar, are under construction. The rest of the stations are under the planned stage. 

Orange Line 

Listed below are the stations covered under the Kolkata Metro orange line. 

It is important to note that all the stations under this line are under construction. 

Kolkata Metro Timings

The Kolkata Metro timings are from 6:44 a.m. to 9:55 p.m. on the weekdays (Monday-Friday). On weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), the timings are from 9:50 am to 9:55 pm. To know the precise timings of the metro services, you should visit the official website of KMRC to get the entire timetable.   

Kolkata Metro Holiday Details

The Kolkata Metro prices vary on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. It is advised to contact the KMRC authorities regarding such price variations. In addition, having a ‘smart card’ entitles you to 10% off the original price. Additionally, students can get up to 60% discount on purchasing smart cards. However, it is important to note that these smart cards are available only at selected stations.  

Listed below are the (Stored Value) Fares of the Kolkata Metro 

Kolkata Metro Fare Details

Travelling on the Kolkata Metro line is effortless with a metro token for a single journey or a metro card. The Kolkata Metro fares are reasonable as per the distance covered. The Kolkata Metro fares vary depending on the number of kilometres travelled. Listed below are the fares for the Kolkata Metro Line and Airport Express Line. 

Kolkata Metro Smart Card

The Kolkata Metro Line offers two ways of travelling: either with a token, which is for a single journey, or a Metro Smart Card. Metro tokens are available at counters in every metro station. Metro tokens are permitted for only a single journey with 1-day validity. Travelling with a metro token means one will have to enter the paid area within 45 minutes of buying the token. After 45 minutes, if you do not enter, then your token will expire. You may be levied a penalty if you travel without a proper entry on your smart card or if you exit without submitting your token. 

You can travel to a lot of tourist destinations using the smart card. Some of the attractions are listed below.

How to Avail a Kolkata Metro Smart Card?

Every metro station in Kolkata features metro card machines for recharge/top-up as well as counters that hand out metro smart cards for the desired amount. 

The first-time amount for a smart card is Rs. 160, including Rs. 60 for refundable security. Following the first time, Kolkata Metro fare for Smart Card recharge starts at Rs 100 and can go up to Rs 1000 and can only be used for metro rides. The Smart Card is valid for 1 year after every recharge, with a maximum validity of up to 10 years. 

Benefits of Kolkata Metro Smart Card

Travelling with a Smart Metro Card on the Kolkata Metro line is hassle-free and convenient for passengers who commute on the metro daily. There are numerous benefits to possessing a smart card. They are as follows –

• Travel to any destination without using a token, which is only for a single journey.
• To purchase a smart card, there is no need for ID proof.
• Every metro journey worth Rs.100 gives a discount of Rs.10.
• Recharge a smart card once for between Rs. 100 and Rs. 1000 and return it at any time to receive the remaining funds.
• Smart Cards reduce waiting time in a queue to get metro tokens.
• Free access to and from any metro station.
• Any member of your family may travel using the same card as you.
• If the Smart Card is damaged or expires, commuters can request a refund from the Customer Care Centre at any metro station.
• Validity of a smart card adds up from the last date of the recharge. The validity of the smart card is up to 10 years.
• If entry or exit is from the same station, no discount is applicable on the ride.
• If the card is damaged, the security deposit of Rs 60 will not be reimbursed.

How to Recharge the Kolkata Metro Card?

The Kolkata Metro Line offers numerous platforms to recharge the smart card. They are –

• Recharge counters at the metro stations
• Smart Card Self-Recharge Vending Kiosks
• Online recharge Top Up on the KMRC Smart Card Portal.
• Online recharge via digital platforms such as Paytm, Google Pay, and PhonePe.

Steps on How to Recharge Smart Metro Card on KMRC’s Official Website:

1. Visit the KMRC website, then click on the ‘Quick Top-up’ tab at the top of the homepage.
2. First, enter account information and smart card number and then the given captcha code.
3. Using a digital wallet, a credit card, a debit card, or online banking, secure transactions are possible.
4. Visit the ‘Add Value Machines’ next to the customer service at any KMRC Metro Station to recharge/top up your smart card.

How to Check Kolkata Metro Card Balance?

Through customer service counters, automatic vending machines, and while leaving the metro, users can check the balance on their metro cards. The exit gate will reflect the current balance as you swipe the smart card. The Kolkata Metro line does not offer the ability to check the balance online.

Kolkata Metro Helpline Number 

The Kolkata Metro Line is safe and secure, and the authorities have taken measures to do the same. The metro authorities have designed helpline numbers for different situations or issues. They are as follows –

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQ’S)