Kolkata Metro to run additional weekend services ahead of Durga Puja

Kolkata Metro Railway will operate additional services on the Blue and Green Lines over two weekends in the run-up to Durga Puja to accommodate the expected increase in passenger traffic, officials said on Tuesday.

The additional services will operate on October 3, 4, 10 and 11. Metro Railway said the number of trains would be increased on both Saturdays and Sundays, while the timings of the first and last services on the two corridors would remain unchanged.

More Saturday trains

On Saturdays, October 3 and 10, Metro Railway will operate 272 services on the Blue Line instead of the usual 252, adding 20 services on each of the two days. The Green Line will operate 236 services — 118 UP and 118 DN — instead of 212. This will mean 24 additional services on each Saturday.

Sunday services increased

The increase will be more pronounced on the Blue Line on Sundays, October 4 and 11. Metro Railway will operate 188 services — 94 UP and 94 DN — compared with the usual 152, adding 36 services on each day.

On the Green Line, 125 services — 62 UP and 63 DN — will be operated instead of the usual 111 on the two Sundays. The additional weekend services are aimed at handling increased passenger movement ahead of Durga Puja, when shopping and festive preparations typically result in heavier travel across Kolkata.

Timings unchanged

Despite the increase in the number of trains, there will be no change in the timings of the first and last Metro services on either the Blue or Green Line. The additional trains will therefore be accommodated within the existing operating hours on all four days.