Kolkata is on the verge of a major transportation upgrade as the much-anticipated airport Metro link approaches its launch.
The first phase of the Noapara-Barasat Corridor, known as the Yellow Line, stretches 6.2 kilometers and aims to provide faster, traffic-free travel to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. This route is expected to ease congestion on the city’s busy roads, according to a recent Indian Express report.
This underground section connects four key stations: Noapara, Dum Dum Cantonment, Jessore Road, and the terminal, Jai Hind Biman Bandar (Airport), creating a vital link in Kolkata’s expanding Metro system.
“This is the first phase of the 16-kilometer Noapara-Barasat Corridor,” said a senior engineer at the site, reflecting the broader plan to extend Metro services into the northern parts of the city.
Despite facing tough engineering challenges near the airport due to strict height limits, officials have confirmed that this section is now “fully complete” and ready for passenger operations.
“The Biman Bandar (Yellow Line) Noapara-Airport (Jai Hind) Metro Station line will soon be operational, allowing direct Metro access for people from the northern suburbs to the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose airport,” a senior official noted, emphasizing the importance of this connection.
Jai Hind Biman Bandar station is built to handle large crowds, featuring five platforms—the most in India—with platforms 1 and 2 serving the Noapara-Airport route, 3 and 4 handling the New Garia VIP line, and platform 5 reserved for emergencies.
The terminal also includes six elevators, six staircases, twelve escalators, and several public amenities, ensuring easy access for all passengers.
As the project awaits final approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety, two sections are in different stages of clearance, while future extensions toward Barasat face issues like encroachment and regulatory delays.
Meanwhile, other Metro projects in Kolkata are also progressing, with the full East-West Metro 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.
