Image Source: Economic Times
This Sunday marks a special initiative by Kolkata Metro Railway as services on the Blue Line (North-South corridor) start at 7 am, two hours earlier than the usual Sunday timetable. The move is a considerate gesture aimed at supporting thousands of candidates set to appear for the West Bengal School Service Commission (WBSSC) recruitment tests, helping them reach exam centers smoothly and on time.
Key Highlights: Early Metro Services for Exam Day
On the Blue Line, operations commence at 7 am from both Kavi Subhash (New Garia) and Dakshineswar, allowing candidates living across the city access to timely public transport.
An extra early service runs at 7:20 am from Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhash, adding to convenience for examinees from the northern corridor.
Throughout the day, 138 train services (69 each direction) are scheduled—up from the usual 130—ensuring improved frequency and capacity to accommodate extra footfall.
From 7 am to 9 am, trains will run at intervals of 30 minutes in both directions, effectively balancing traffic surges during peak pre-exam hours.
Last train timings remain unchanged: the final service from Kavi Subhash to Dakshineswar departs at 9:27 pm, and the last from Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhash leaves at 9:33 pm.
Exam Support and Civic Impact
This operational adjustment is specifically tailored to ease travel for WBSSC candidates and minimize late arrivals due to transport delays or crowded services.
Metro officials have highlighted the initiative’s role in safeguarding a stress-free experience, enabling examinees to focus on their tests.
Kolkata’s metro staff is poised to offer guidance and logistical support during the morning rush, ensuring candidates can reach stations and board trains seamlessly.
Other Metro Lines and Service Updates
The Green Line-2 (Esplanade to Howrah Maidan) will continue as per its standard Sunday timetable, with first trains expected from 2:15 pm, not offering early services this Sunday.
No metro services are scheduled on Green Line-1 (Salt Lake Sector V–Sealdah), the Purple Line (Joka–Esplanade), and the Orange Line (Kavi Subhash–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay) as per regular Sunday protocol.
Passengers and candidates are urged to check station displays and official advisories for real-time updates and alternate transit options if their route falls outside the active timings.
Community Response and Broader Significance
The early start for Kolkata Metro is widely appreciated as a model of adaptive urban transport, emphasizing responsiveness to major civic events and the needs of students.
Such measures underscore Kolkata Metro’s commitment to being more than a daily commute option—serving as a catalyst for education, opportunity, and inclusion throughout the city.
Exam day travel stress is expected to reduce, contributing to better candidate focus and potentially improved performance.
Conclusion
Kolkata Metro’s proactive adjustment for the WBSSC recruitment test reflects a citizen-first approach, balancing operational efficiency with vital community service. As thousands head out this Sunday morning, Kolkata’s iconic metro system steps up once again, playing a crucial role in the education journey of the city’s future teachers and public servants.
Sources: Indian Express, Kolkata Metro Railway Portal, India TV News
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