Indian Railways Approves ₹895 Crore Upgrade to Double Kolkata Metro Capacity

In a major push to strengthen urban transport infrastructure, Indian Railways has approved projects worth ₹895.30 crore for the upgrade of Kolkata Metro. The initiative focuses on enhancing power systems and increasing the operational capacity of one of India’s oldest metro networks.

A significant portion of the investment, ₹671.72 crore, has been allocated to the North–South Corridor, which remains the backbone of Kolkata’s metro connectivity. The approved works include the installation of seven new traction substations and the augmentation of existing auxiliary and traction systems. Additionally, the current 11 KV power system will be upgraded to a more robust 33 KV system, ensuring better efficiency and reliability.

The Kolkata Metro, originally built in the 1980s, was designed to handle train operations at a frequency of five minutes. With the upcoming upgrades, the system will be capable of operating at a much higher frequency of 2.5 minutes, effectively doubling its carrying capacity. This enhancement is expected to significantly ease congestion and cater to the rising number of daily commuters.

As Kolkata continues to grow as a major urban hub, this infrastructure upgrade marks a crucial step toward building a faster, more efficient, and future-ready public transport system for the city.