Kolkata Metro’s New Garia–Airport stretch to open by 2026, part of 19 km network expansion

Kolkata Metro, India’s first metro service, is set for a massive expansion, with 19 km of new routes expected to be operational by the end of 2026. Metro Railway General Manager Subhransu Mishra announced that once the expansion projects are completed, the network will span nearly 130 km — a significant leap from the current 72 km.

Speaking on Metro Railway’s 41st foundation day at Esplanade, Mishra said the new 19 km stretch will connect Beleghata to the airport by late 2026. By 2029, an additional 10 km will link Majerhat with Esplanade and the airport with Michael Nagar. The Orange Line, currently functional between New Garia and Metropolitan, will be fully operational by December 2026, bridging the 366-metre gap at Chingrighata crossing through girder launching planned in mid-November.

Mishra also confirmed that the Kavi Subhash terminal, closed since July due to structural cracks, will be rebuilt within eight months. Once reopened, Kolkata Metro will achieve a seamless citywide loop through the Blue, Orange, and Green corridors. The expansion will further strengthen connectivity across the city and adjoining districts, including Howrah, Hooghly, and both 24 Parganas.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 13 km of new metro lines, including India’s first under-river metro in Kolkata, marking another milestone in the city’s transport development.