Kolkata Metro to start services on Howrah Maidan-Esplanade stretch on November 11

Kolkata: The Kolkata Metro Railway has announced a revision in its services on the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade Stretch of the Green Line, due to ongoing construction work between Esplanade and Sealdah. The changes will take effect starting November 11.

Currently, the East-West Metro Corridor, also known as the Green Line, is operational in two separate sections: one between Saltlake Sector V and Sealdah and another between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade.

The ongoing construction work to connect Sealdah and Esplanade has led to the temporary revision of services in the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade stretch.

According to Metro authorities, from Monday, trains in the west-bound tunnel will run between Howrah Maidan and Mahakaran stations instead of Howrah Maidan and Esplanade during commercial hours. In the east-bound tunnel, services will continue as usual from Howrah Maidan to Esplanade on weekdays from 6.55 am to 10 pm. On Sundays, from 2.15 pm to 9.50 pm, services will be available in the East-bound tunnel only.

Due to crossover issues, there are currently no separate lines for trains coming and going in the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade stretch.

Both eastbound and westbound tunnels are used for both directions. Starting Monday, commuters travelling towards Howrah Maidan from Esplanade will have to avail the services plying using the East-bound tunnel and those travelling to Esplanade from Howrah Maidan will also use the East-bound tunnel Metro services. Additionally, commuters can switch trains at Mahakaran station after travelling through the West-bound tunnel.

Furthermore, the number of services on this stretch will increase on weekdays from 118 to 150.

On Sundays, 46 services will be available as usual. These changes will remain in effect until further notice.