Metro Goes the Distance: Fly to the Airport for Just ₹70 Once New Links Take Off

Kolkata’s metro network is poised for a transformative expansion as three new metro corridors, including airport connectivity, are set to become operational soon. One of the most anticipated features is the introduction of a Rs 70 fare for commuters traveling from Sector V (Salt Lake) to the airport—offering a seamless, cost-effective transit option for a busy business and IT hub to the city’s gateway.

 

Key Highlights: Fare Structure and New Metro Links

 

The ride from Sector V to the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport metro station will cost Rs 70 once the new links, notably the Yellow, Orange, and Green Lines expansions, are in full operation.

 

The Yellow Line’s prominent Noapara to Airport stretch, spanning 6.77 km, will connect northern parts of Kolkata to the airport with the Jai Hind Biman Bandar station serving as a key transit node.

 

The journey from New Garia (Kavi Subhash) to the airport will cost Rs 45.

 

Trips from the airport to popular hubs like Park Street and Tollygunge will be priced at Rs 40, while Howrah connectivity is set at Rs 50.

 

The newly inaugurated corridors also include the 2.45 km Esplanade-Sealdah segment (Green Line) and the 4.39 km Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby) to Beleghata stretch (Orange Line).

 

Route Connectivity and Convenience

 

Passengers traveling between Sector V and the airport can do so with a single ticket, involving smart train changes at Esplanade (Green Line to Blue Line) and Noapara (Blue Line to Yellow Line).

 

This integrated journey connects critical business, commercial, and residential zones, enhancing daily commuter experience and providing a competitive alternative to road transport.

 

The new metro phase enables Kolkata to join other metros like Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai in offering airport metro connectivity.

 

Infrastructure and Operational Readiness

 

Jai Hind Airport metro station is touted as the largest underground metro station in Asia with five platforms, underscoring the scale and ambition of the project.

 

State-of-the-art Mondo tracks and modernized stations offer commuters comfort, safety, and reliability.

 

The project has undergone recent inspections by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), ensuring compliance with all necessary operational standards.

 

Economic and Social Impact

 

The metro expansion is anticipated to reduce travel time between key city points drastically, boosting productivity for professionals, students, and travelers.

 

Improved airport linkages encourage tourism and business travel, further energizing the local economy.

 

Environmental benefits accumulate as the metro offers a sustainable alternative to increasingly congested roadways.

 

Fare Chart Summary for Key Routes from Airport Station

 

Airport to Sector V/Karunamoyee: Rs 70

 

Airport to Ruby Station: Rs 65

 

Airport to Kavi Subhash (New Garia): Rs 45

 

Airport to Howrah Station: Rs 50

 

Airport to Esplanade: Rs 40

 

Airport to Noapara: Rs 30

 

Airport to Jessore Road: Rs 5

 

Looking Ahead

 

The inauguration of these sections will complete the East-West Metro line, increasing ridership capacity from 1 lakh to 7 lakh passengers daily.

 

The metro expansions are a part of a broader ₹83,765 crore investment in West Bengal’s railway infrastructure, evidencing strong government commitment.

 

These developments also include new train services like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains aiming to enhance regional connectivity.

 

Conclusion

 

With the new metro links soon operational, Kolkata is set to transform its urban mobility landscape, combining convenience, affordability, and speed. The Rs 70 fare for the Sector V to airport ride offers a realistic, economical choice for commuters navigating between the city’s IT hub and its international gateway—ushering in a new era of connected, green, and efficient transport.

 

Sources: The Telegraph India, CNBC-TV18, Times of India, Asianet News