Kolkata Metro Records 23.6 Crore Passengers in FY 2025-26 as Network Expansion Drives Growth

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Kolkata Metro has achieved a major milestone by carrying 23.6 crore passengers during the financial year 2025-26, reflecting the growing reliance on rapid transit across the city. The rise in ridership comes as the metro network continues to expand, with newer corridors gradually attracting more commuters while the established routes remain the backbone of the system.

The Blue Line (Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhash) continues to be the busiest corridor, serving around 5 lakh passengers every day. The Green Line, connecting the city's eastern and western corridors, has emerged as the second-most patronised route with nearly 1.5 lakh daily commuters, highlighting the increasing adoption of newer metro services.

Other recently introduced corridors are also witnessing steady growth. The Purple Line currently records around 5,000 daily passengers, while the Yellow Line serves approximately 3,000 commuters each day. The Orange Line is attracting close to 2,000 daily passengers, with ridership expected to increase significantly as more sections become operational and interconnectivity improves.

The metro's financial performance has also shown signs of improvement. Its operating ratio has reduced from 221% in the previous financial year to 190% in FY 2025-26. While the network still spends more than it earns, the improvement reflects better operational efficiency and the positive impact of rising passenger volumes.

Several metro expansion projects are currently underway across Kolkata, and upcoming extensions are expected to improve connectivity between residential areas, business districts, educational institutions and transport hubs. These developments are likely to encourage more residents to shift from private vehicles to public transport, reducing congestion and supporting more sustainable urban mobility.

As Kolkata's metro network grows, it is playing an increasingly important role in shaping the city's transportation landscape. Higher ridership, expanding connectivity and continued infrastructure investment position the Kolkata Metro as a key driver of the city's future mobility and economic development.