Kolkata is preparing for the massive influx of devotees and revelers during Durga Puja with extensive upgrades to its public transportation system. Metro Railway Kolkata, Eastern Railway, and South Eastern Railway have announced extended services and special train operations to facilitate movement across the city and beyond during the festive week.
Extended Metro Services for Puja Enthusiasts
Commuters planning late-night pandal hopping will benefit from significantly extended Metro timings on several lines:
- Blue Line (North-South): From October 17 to 20, trains will operate from 1:00 PM until approximately 4:00 AM the following morning, connecting key pandal areas.
- Green Line (East-West): Between October 17 and 20, 192 services are scheduled to run from 1:30 PM until around 3:59 AM, with an eight-minute peak frequency.
- Yellow Line: From October 17 to 20, 72 services will be available from 3:00 PM to 10:53 PM. Additionally, five direct services will run from Jai Hind Bimanbandar to Shahid Khudiram on October 15 and 16.
- Purple Line: Daily services will operate from 3:00 PM to 10:55 PM with 38 services between October 17 and 21.
- Orange Line: No Metro services are scheduled for this line from October 17 to 21.
Metro officials strongly advise passengers to utilize Smart Cards or QR-based mobile tickets via the AAMAR KOLKATA METRO app to ensure smoother journeys amidst dense crowds.
Special Local and Long-Distance Train Arrangements
Beyond the Metro, various railway divisions are bolstering their services:
- Sealdah Division: A total of 51 Puja special trains, including 38 overnight services running between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM, are planned from October 16 to 21. All galloping local trains will make stops at every station after 2:00 PM during the Puja period.
- Howrah Division: Seven long-distance special trains will undertake 174 trips, complemented by seven special EMU services and 25 pairs of passing specials.
- South Eastern Railway: Nineteen pairs of Puja special trains, totaling 344 trips, will be available, along with 30 permanently augmented coaches.
- Eastern Railway: Special late-night local shuttles are being planned between Bandel and Naihati on peak Puja days, with some local trains operating past midnight. Enhanced security measures will be implemented on 75 identified local trains.
Passenger Safety and Facilities
Major railway stations such as Sealdah, Ballygunge, Dum Dum, Sonarpur, Naihati, and Ranaghat will feature 24x7 surveillance, medical booths, dedicated help desks, and additional passenger amenities to manage the festive rush. Passengers are urged to cooperate with station staff, avoid rushing, and refrain from blocking train doors or overcrowding coaches to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.