Image Source: ET Infra
Key Highlights
Kolkata Metro successfully conducted a trial run on the Yellow Line corridor between Noapara and Jai Hind Biman Bandar (Airport) metro stations, covering a 7.04-km stretch with four stations
The trial run, overseen by Metro Railway General Manager P Uday Kumar Reddy, was smooth and without delays, confirming the readiness of this segment for commercial operations
This stretch includes a mix of elevated viaducts and underground tunnels, connecting northern suburbs directly to the airport for faster, seamless transit
Completion of this corridor is expected to revolutionize transportation access to the airport and significantly reduce travel time and traffic congestion for commuters in Kolkata and adjacent suburbs
The Yellow Line project is divided into phases, with this first segment from Noapara to Airport currently awaiting final safety approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) before full-scale public launch
The initiative complements Kolkata’s growing metro network, enhancing connectivity and offering a modern, efficient alternative to road transport
Detailed Overview of the Yellow Line Trial and Its Significance
On July 21-24, 2025, Kolkata Metro successfully conducted its latest trial run between Noapara and Jai Hind Biman Bandar stations, part of the under-construction Line 4 (Yellow Line). The 7.04 km corridor includes key stations such as Dumdum Cantonment and Jessore Road, linking major residential and commercial hubs to the city’s airport.
General Manager P Uday Kumar Reddy personally supervised the trial and inspected the newly built Jai Hind Biman Bandar station, emphasizing how the corridor will offer a “revolutionary” transport option for Kolkata’s residents and visitors, particularly facilitating rapid airport access from northern suburbs.
The line is engineered with a blend of infrastructure styles—elevated tracks from Noapara to Jessore Road and underground tunnels extending toward the airport—showcasing advanced urban transit integration. This variety accommodates Kolkata’s dense urban layout and geographical constraints while minimizing disruption.
Technical and Operational Readiness
The recent trial marked the second conducted on this corridor, following a successful initial test in January 2025. Officials reported flawless train performance, operational smoothness, and adherence to safety protocols during the trial, eliciting optimism about a mid-2025 commercial launch.
The trail run also enabled final calibration of station facilities, signaling systems, and passenger amenities, ensuring a full-featured commuter experience upon opening. The next procedural step involves clearance by the Commissioner of Railway Safety, which is currently awaited.
Broader Metro Expansion Context
The Yellow Line forms a critical component of Kolkata’s expanding metro rail infrastructure, planned to extend from Noapara up to Barasat, engaging multiple phases of construction. Phase 1, from Noapara to Airport, nears completion, while subsequent phases toward New Barrackpore and Barasat are under active development or approval stages.
The full Yellow Line will integrate with existing metro lines, including interchange options with the Blue and Orange lines, to create a cohesive transit grid. This enhances mobility, reduces dependence on road vehicles, and aims to decongest Kolkata’s traffic by offering efficient, punctual, and eco-friendly transport.
Benefits to Commuters and City Planning
Once operational, the airport-Noapara Yellow Line stretch will:
Provide a direct, speedy rail connection for daily commuters, airport passengers, and city residents, cutting travel time dramatically from northern suburbs to the international airport
Alleviate the chronic traffic jams along the Jessore Road corridor and surrounding arterial routes, likely reducing pollution and fuel consumption
Enhance accessibility for economic zones, residential neighborhoods, and commercial centers through improved last-mile connectivity
Elevate Kolkata’s profile as a modern metropolitan area with state-of-the-art public transit options aligned with sustainable urban development goals
Looking Forward: Commercial Launch and Future Prospects
With all construction and safety trials completed successfully, Kolkata Metro officials anticipate that commercial operations on this Yellow Line segment will commence soon after CRS certification. Exact dates remain unconfirmed, but mid-2025 is projected.
The full completion of the Yellow Line will further spur economic activity and provide a model for integrating airport connectivity into metropolitan transit planning. As the city progresses toward this milestone, Kolkata’s citizens and visitors can look forward to a transformative upgrade to their daily travel experience.
Sources: Swarajya Magazine, ET Infra, UrbanAcres.in
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