Kolkata Metro's Airport Link Nears Completion, Soon To Be Operational For Commuters In North Suburban Areas

Kolkata is on the cusp of a major public transport milestone as the much-awaited airport Metro link nears completion.

The 6.2 km Phase I stretch of the Noapara-Barasat Corridor, dubbed the Yellow Line, is set to offer faster, hassle-free connectivity to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, easing pressure on the city’s congested roads, Indian Express reported.

This underground phase connects four vital stations: Noapara, Dum Dum Cantonment, Jessore Road, and the terminal station, Jai Hind Biman Bandar (Airport).

“This is Phase I of the 16 km Noapara-Barasat Corridor,” said a senior engineer at the site, reflecting the broader vision of extending the Metro into Kolkata’s northern suburbs.

Despite facing unique engineering challenges at the airport due to stringent height restrictions, officials have confirmed that the stretch is "totally complete" and ready for commercial operations.

“Biman Bandar (Yellow Line) Noapara -Airport (Jai Hind) Metro Station line will soon be operational, which means people from north suburban areas will be able to avail (to and fro) metro directly from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose airport,” a senior official said.

Jai Hind Biman Bandar station is designed for heavy footfall, featuring five platforms, the most across India with platforms 1 and 2 serving the Noapara-Airport route, 3 and 4 catering to New Garia VIP stretch, and platform 5 reserved for emergencies.

The terminal also includes six lifts, six staircases, twelve escalators, and multiple public amenities, ensuring accessibility for all passengers.

Currently awaiting final approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety, two stretches are at different stages of authorisation. Meanwhile, further phases toward Barasat face encroachment and regulatory hurdles.

Simultaneously, other Metro lines are advancing, with the East-West Metro’s full stretch from Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V set for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Orange Line extension from Ruby to Beleghata is also nearing completion.

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