Kolkata Metro drops private hiring plan amid protests, struggles with driver shortage

Kolkata Metro has withdrawn its plan to recruit train operators through private companies after protests from employee unions and transport organizations. The authorities had earlier issued a tender for appointing an operator for the East-West Metro on a five-year contract, which was met with opposition. Following backlash, an official notice confirmed the cancellation of the tender, but no alternative recruitment plan has been announced yet.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Metro is facing a severe driver shortage, with at least 13 motormen set to retire by the end of the month. The metro currently operates on the North-South, East-West, Joka-Majerhat, and New Garia-Ruby routes. The Sealdah-Esplanade extension of the East-West Metro is expected to be completed this year, after which the corridor will run from Howrah Maidan to Sector Five, increasing the need for trained operators. The shortage has raised concerns about uninterrupted operations, especially with the metro’s ongoing expansion.

Unions have demanded the recruitment of permanent drivers instead of outsourcing operations, citing concerns over service quality and job security. Metro officials have not provided details on how they plan to address the staffing gap but are reportedly reviewing alternative hiring methods. With more retirements expected in the coming months, the demand for trained motormen is expected to rise further.