Kolkata Metro Ticket: The Kolkata Metro, India’s oldest operational metro network, has been a vital part of the city’s transportation since its inception in 1984. With two operational lines connecting Dakshineshwar to Kavi Subhash and Salt Lake Sector 5 to Phool Bagan, the metro system encompasses a mix of elevated, underground, and at-grade stations, utilizing both broad-gauge and standard-gauge tracks. Notably, it holds the unique status of being the only metro system controlled by Indian Railways, designated as its 17th zone. Despite its historical significance, the metro’s expansion has been gradual, with the second line facing delays. Operated jointly by the Metro Railway, Kolkata, and the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation, its services have adapted during the Covid-19 pandemic, showcasing resilience in the face of challenges.
| Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Inception | Conceived in the 1920s, operational since 1984 |
| Lines | Dakshineshwar to Kavi Subhash and Salt Lake Sector 5 to Phool Bagan |
| Station Types | Mix of elevated, underground, and at-grade metro stations |
| Track Types | Broad-gauge and standard-gauge tracks |
| Ownership and Operation | Jointly owned and operated by the Metro Railway, Kolkata, and the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation |
| Unique Status | Designated as Indian Railways’ 17th zone, making it the only metro system controlled by Indian Railways |
| Operation Hours | 7:00 a.m. to 22:30 p.m. (subject to changes during the Covid-19 pandemic) |
| Expansion | Expansion has been slow, with the second line becoming operational after a considerable delay |
| Pandemic Impact on Schedule | Metro schedules adjusted by the state government during the Covid-19 pandemic |
| Schedule Variability | Arrival timing of the first train may vary slightly each morning due to brief stops at each station |
Ticket price
Ticket price for Kolkata Metro Fare starts from Rs. 5 onwards, Purchase tickets from the official website. Check out more details.
| Corridor | Zone | Distance Covered | Fare (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North-South | Zone-I | Up to 2 KM | 5 |
| North-South | Zone-II | 2 KM to 5 KM | 10 |
| North-South | Zone-III | 5 KM to 10 KM | 15 |
| North-South | Zone-IV | 10 KM to 20 KM | 20 |
| North-South | Zone-V | Above 20 KM | 25 |
| East-West | 0 to 2 Km | 0 to 2 Km | 5 |
| East-West | 2 to 5 Km | 2 to 5 Km | 10 |
| East-West | 5 to 10 Km | 5 to 10 Km | 20 |
| East-West | 10 to 16.5 Km | 10 to 16.5 Km | 30 |
| Smart Card Purchase | Initial Cost | Inclusive of Rs. 60 Security Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| – | Rs. 100/200/300/500/1000 | Yes |
| Smart Card Recharge | Recharge Amount Options | Maximum Balance Allowed | Minimum Entry Balance Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| – | Rs. 100, Rs. 200, Rs. 300, Rs. 500, Rs. 1000 | Rs. 5000 | Rs. 25 |
| Smart Card Penalties | Locking Fee at Exit Gate | Maximum Fee for Unlocking | Penalty for Incorrect Exit |
|---|---|---|---|
| – | Rs. 25 | Rs. 25 | Deducted at Booking Counter |
Commuters using the Kolkata Metro can opt for the convenience of a smart card, offering time-saving benefits over traditional tokens. Additionally, smart card users enjoy the advantage of extra balance on recharges, enhancing the overall commuting experience. The fare structure is based on the distance traveled, ensuring a fair and transparent pricing system for passengers on both the North-South and East-West corridors.
Ticket site
Visit the official website to purchase your tickets.
How to purchase ticket online steps
| Online Recharge Steps | Process Overview |
|---|---|
| 1. Visit Website | Access https://mtp.indianrailways.gov.in/ |
| 2. Navigate to Section | Go to the ‘Online Recharge’ section |
| 3. Enter Card Number | Input your unique Kolkata smart card number |
| 4. Specify Amount | Choose the desired recharge amount |
| 5. Payment | Click ‘Pay’ and select a preferred payment method |
| 6. Completion | Successfully completed payments update the card for immediate use |
Location
Kolkata Metro Routes And Metro Stations
| Operational Lines | Lines Under Construction |
|---|---|
| Blue Line (Line 1): Dakshineshwar to Kavi Subhash | Purple Line (Line 3): Joka to Majerhat (Under-construction) |
| Green Line (Line 2): Salt Lake Sector 5 to Phool Bagan | Yellow Line (Line 4): Noapara to Barasat (Under-construction) |
| Pink Line (Line 5): Baranagar to Barackpore (Planned) | |
| Orange Line (Line 6): New Garia to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (Expected to open in 2023) |
The Kolkata Metro, conceived in the 1920s and construction initiated in 1970, has evolved into a significant transportation network. Currently boasting two operational lines – the Blue Line and the Green Line – the metro is also expanding with four lines under construction: Purple Line, Yellow Line, Pink Line, and Orange Line. Each line contributes to enhancing connectivity across various districts and areas within Kolkata, catering to the city’s growing urban needs.
New Initiatives in Kolkata Metro
| New Initiatives in Kolkata Metro | Details |
|---|---|
| Paper-based QR Code Ticket | The Kolkata Metro has introduced a “Paper-based QR Code Ticket” as an alternative to the existing token system on the Green Line, starting at Sealdah Metro station. |
| Implementation Date | Launched on October 11th, 2023, at Sealdah Metro station on the East-West corridor, serving as an experimental basis. |
| Developed by | Developed by the Center for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), this new ticketing system has gained popularity among passengers. |
| AFC-PC Gate Upgrade | All AFC-PC gates at stations on the Green Line have been upgraded to support the Paper-based QR Code Ticket system, ensuring its smooth implementation. |
| Future Expansion Plans | Metro Railway officials plan to monitor commuter response and, if successful, extend the Paper-based QR Code Ticket system to other stations and corridors, including the Blue and Purple Lines. |
| New Token System | In a unique celebration of India’s successful lunar mission, Kolkata Metro has introduced a new token system inspired by Chandrayaan-3’s soft landing on the lunar surface. The tokens will be available at ticket counters. |
These recent initiatives, including the introduction of the Paper-based QR Code Ticket and the unique lunar-inspired token system, showcase Kolkata Metro’s commitment to innovation and passenger convenience. The successful implementation of these systems may lead to their expansion across various corridors, providing commuters with more flexible and technologically advanced ticketing options.
FAQ
What is the Kolkata Metro?
The Kolkata Metro is India’s oldest operational metro network, serving the city since 1984. It includes both underground and elevated lines, connecting various parts of Kolkata.
How many operational lines does the Kolkata Metro have?
As of now, the Kolkata Metro has two operational lines: the Blue Line (Line 1) from Dakshineshwar to Kavi Subhash and the Green Line (Line 2) from Salt Lake Sector 5 to Phool Bagan.
What is the fare system for the Kolkata Metro?
The fare system is distance-based. Commuters can use tokens or smart cards, with different fare zones and amounts based on the distance traveled.
Are there any new ticketing systems introduced recently?
Yes, the Kolkata Metro has introduced a “Paper-based QR Code Ticket” on an experimental basis on the Green Line. This serves as an alternative to the existing token system.
How can I recharge my Kolkata Metro smart card online?
Visit the official Metro Railway Kolkata website, navigate to the ‘Online Recharge’ section, enter your smart card number, specify the recharge amount, choose a payment method, and complete the transaction.