Guides showing routes from Metro stations to flights highlight a major urban transit achievement.

Metro authorities have extended the Yellow Line by 6.77 km from Noapara to Jai Hind Bimanbandar (airport station) and added 4.39 km to the Orange Line from Ruby to Beleghata. These expansions now let passengers travel directly to Calcutta airport by Metro for the first time.

Passenger services on two new Metro sections will start Monday, giving the city its first-ever direct Metro access to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

With 6.77 km added to the Yellow Line up to Jai Hind Bimanbandar and 4.39 km to the Orange Line up to Beleghata, the Metro network now connects directly to Calcutta airport for the first time.

Reaching the airport

Airport officials are drafting an extensive plan to make transfers from Metro to flight smoother. At present, travelers reaching Jai Hind station walk through an 80-metre tunnel with walkalators and escalators to get to gate 1A of the terminal, then take external elevators up to the departure level.

Calcutta airport director Pravat Ranjan Beuria announced plans to introduce airline check-in counters and a security hold area for Metro travelers at the arrival level, positioned close to gates 1A and 1B.

The plan aims to enable Metro passengers to:

. Drop off checked luggage at the arrival level.

. Enter the terminal via a gate close to the bus terminus.

. Proceed to a separate security hold zone for flights using remote bays.

. Take dedicated escalators next to gates 1A and 1B to reach the departure area.

“Once registered baggage is dropped, passengers will carry only hand luggage, simplifying the use of escalators,” said Beuria. The initiative seeks to minimize congestion without compromising security standards.

A plan has been submitted to the Airports Authority of India, with architects scheduled to inspect the site soon to complete the design.

Growing network

This expansion provides widespread airport connectivity through the Metro system. The Yellow Line links with the Blue Line at Noapara, and the Blue Line intersects the Green Line at Esplanade. Starting Monday, passengers from northern and southern Calcutta, as well as Howrah, can reach the airport solely by Metro.

Metro officials anticipate that few passengers will use the airport route initially.

An official said, “We expect passengers with bulky luggage to avoid the Metro because switching lines is difficult with large bags. Most of these travelers will continue using private vehicles to reach the airport.”

Development potential

The Orange Line now operates between Kavi Subhash (New Garia) and Ruby, and Monday’s extension will take it to Beleghata. In the long term, the line plans to link New Garia to the airport through Salt Lake and New Town.

A Metro official said, “Jai Hind will fully come into operation in three to four years, once the Orange and Yellow Lines intersect at the station.” This link is expected to offer more direct routes and significantly increase passenger traffic.

The new Metro link is likely to cause instant crowding at Dum Dum Cantonment, beside the Sealdah-Bongaon line station, and along Jessore Road once it opens.