PM Modi to Inaugurate Three New Kolkata Metro Routes on August 22

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three new Kolkata Metro routes on August 22, calling it a “historic gift” for the city ahead of Durga Puja. The event will take place during an administrative programme at Dum Dum.

According to Union Minister and BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, the Prime Minister will flag off:

Sealdah–Esplanade section of the Green Line (East-West Metro)

Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Ruby) section of the Orange Line

Noapara–Jai Hind (Kolkata Airport) stretch of the Yellow Line


A subway at Howrah Metro Station will also be inaugurated.

The Union Ministry of Railways has begun sending formal invitations for the event. Sharing his invite from Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Majumdar praised the PM’s contribution to the state’s railway infrastructure, noting that West Bengal has received a record ₹83,765 crore for railway works, including ₹13,955 crore in the current year’s budget.

“With 101 stations under redevelopment, and 9 Vande Bharat plus 2 Amrit Bharat trains already in service, this is a landmark moment for Bengal’s transport sector,” Majumdar posted on X.

The inauguration comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls. PM Modi is expected to attend up to 10 programmes in West Bengal by year-end, with the August 22 visit also including the launch of multiple government projects and a public address.

The East-West Metro project, particularly the Sealdah–Esplanade link, has been delayed repeatedly since 2019 due to water leakage and soil subsidence in Bowbazar. The 2.5 km section received clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety in April this year. Once operational, it will connect the entire 16.6 km corridor between Howrah Maidan and Salt Lake Sector V, integrating two currently isolated segments.

This will be PM Modi’s third visit to Bengal in less than three months, following trips to Alipurduar in May and Durgapur in July.