Kolkata Metro is India’s first metro railway and is now a network with five lines: Blue, Green, Purple, Orange and Yellow. For visitors, the Blue Line (north-south) is the most useful because it reaches Dakshineswar, Esplanade, Park Street, Kalighat and Rabindra Sarobar. The Green Line links Howrah and Salt Lake Sector V via Esplanade.
Wikipedia’s station list, which was last updated around August 2025, shows 58 stations across five lines. New openings keep happening, so check the official Kolkata Metro Railway site or app for the latest map, timings and fares before you travel (last checked October 2026).
Metro lines at a glance
| Line | Route (approx.) | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Line | Kavi Subhash to Dakshineswar | The oldest line; passes Park Street, Esplanade, Kalighat, Rabindra Sarobar, Girish Park (near North Kolkata), Dum Dum and Dakshineswar |
| Green Line | Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V | Connects Howrah, the Hooghly, Esplanade, Sealdah and Salt Lake IT hub |
| Purple Line | Joka to Majerhat | South-west Kolkata, serving the Joka to Majerhat corridor; useful mainly for residents of the Behala side |
| Orange Line | Satyajit Ray to Beleghata (section open; extension in progress) | East side line that meets the Blue Line at Kavi Subhash; stations VIP Bazar, Ritwik Ghatak, Barun Sengupta and Beleghata opened in August 2025 per Wikipedia |
| Yellow Line | Noapara to Jai Hind (short section) | Meets the Blue Line at Noapara and heads toward the airport side; Dum Dum Cantonment, Jessore Road and Jai Hind opened in August 2025 per Wikipedia |
Some line names and sections have changed over time, so always trust the official map posted at stations.
A short history
Construction began in the 1970s, and the first section opened on 24 October 1984 between Esplanade and Bhowanipore (now Netaji Bhavan). The network expanded slowly over the decades. In the 2020s it gained new sections including the Green Line under the Hooghly river, which connects Howrah to Esplanade.
Key stations for tourists
- Esplanade: The main interchange between Blue and Green lines. Close to New Market, Maidan, Dharmatala and many bus services.
- Park Street: Good for restaurants, cafes, bookshops and the Park Street cemetery area.
- Maidan: A walk from the Victoria Memorial and the Maidan green space, although the walking distance is more than a short stroll.
- Rabindra Sadan: Near Nandan, Rabindra Sadan, the Academy of Fine Arts and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- Kalighat: For Kalighat Temple (about a ten-minute walk).
- Rabindra Sarobar: A lakeside park for morning walks.
- Dakshineswar: The end of the Blue Line, near the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and, across the river, Belur Math.
- Mahatma Gandhi Road and Girish Park: Closer to the College Street and North Kolkata heritage lanes.
- Howrah, Sealdah and Dum Dum: Rail connections for long-distance travel.
Underwater section
The Green Line crosses beneath the Hooghly river between Howrah Maidan and Esplanade, and it is often described as India’s first underwater metro section. The Howrah Maidan station is among the deepest in the country. Ask staff or check the official site if you want to visit this stretch, since service patterns are different from the Blue Line.
How to use the Metro
You can buy a paper token or journey ticket at the counter or use a smart card. Fares depend on distance. A Blue Line fare range of about Rs 5 to Rs 30 has been quoted on a property-related site, but that source is undated, so treat it as unverified and confirm current fares at the counter. Smart cards offer small convenience benefits and can be topped up at stations. Some lines also support QR or UPI tickets through official apps; check what is available.
Operating hours differ by line and by day. Many guides say the Blue Line starts in the early morning and ends in the late evening, with a limited Sunday schedule, but exact times change and I could not verify them. Check the Kolkata Metro Railway timetable page.
Tips for first-time riders
- Avoid peak hours (roughly 8 to 11 am and 5 to 8 pm) if you carry luggage.
- Stand behind the yellow line, and let passengers exit first.
- Women’s coaches are usually reserved at the end of each train; look for the signs.
- Bag screening happens at entry. Carry ID and avoid large items.
- Photography rules differ; avoid filming staff or security areas.
- Tickets from one line may not work on another without a transfer; follow signs at Esplanade.
Sample tourist routes
North to south day: Start at Dakshineswar in the morning, ride the Blue Line to Esplanade for lunch near New Market, and continue to Kalighat or Rabindra Sarobar in the late afternoon.
Heritage and food: Take the metro to Park Street for breakfast, walk to the Maidan area and Victoria Memorial, and end at Esplanade or New Market for a snack and shopping.
Howrah and Salt Lake: From Howrah Maidan, ride the Green Line to Esplanade. Continue through Sealdah to Salt Lake Sector V if you want to see the IT hub, City Centre malls and Eco Park area by cab from the nearest stop.
Metro versus other transport
The Metro avoids traffic jams, which can be heavy at Esplanade, Park Street and the bridges. It is usually cheaper than a cab, and quicker over long distances. For short hops, walking, auto-rickshaws and ferries may be better. Buses and cabs still reach many places the Metro does not.
Expansion
More stations and sections are planned or under construction, including the Orange and Yellow line extensions toward the airport side and further stretches of the Purple Line. Timelines shift, so do not plan an itinerary around a section that has not opened. The official Kolkata Metro Railway site and Metro Rail Guy blog track updates.
Accessibility, safety and etiquette
Most stations have lifts or escalators, but they are not always working, so allow extra time if you travel with elderly family members or heavy bags. Announcements are in Bengali, Hindi and English on most lines. Do not eat or drink inside the coaches, and keep your bag in front of you during rush hour. Staff at the help desk are used to tourists and can usually point you to the right platform. If you are unsure which direction you need, check the final station name on the platform board rather than guessing from the colour.
When the Metro is not the best choice
Some places are still far from any station. Science City, Eco Park and parts of New Town need a cab or bus after you get off at the nearest stop. The Tram and ferry rides are slower but more scenic, and the airport still depends mostly on road transport until the new sections are complete. Plan the last leg of your journey before you leave the station, especially at night.
Final word
For most tourists the Blue Line plus the Esplanade interchange is enough. Learn the key stations, check the live timetable, and use a smart card if you plan several rides. It is a quick, clean and affordable way to see the city.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many lines does Kolkata Metro have?
Five operational lines as of 2025: Blue, Green, Purple, Orange and Yellow, though sections are still being added.
Which Kolkata Metro line is best for tourists?
The Blue Line, which links Dakshineswar, Esplanade, Park Street, Kalighat and Rabindra Sarobar.
When did Kolkata Metro start?
The first section, Esplanade to Bhowanipore, opened on 24 October 1984, making it India’s first metro.
Where do the Blue and Green lines meet?
At Esplanade, the main interchange.
What are the Metro fares?
Fares depend on distance and change over time. Confirm at the counter or the official site.
