From Kavi Subhash to airport in 56 mins: How Kolkata Metro is set to link airport, IT hub in 2026

Work is being fast-tracked to bridge the Chingrighata gap and complete stations in New Town and Salt Lake Sector V. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

In 2025, the Kolkata Metro network reached a major milestone with the inauguration of three key extensions on August 22, expanding the city’s metro footprint by about 13.61 km and linking crucial hubs such as the international airport and major railway stations.

With the full operation of the Green Line, Howrah Metro Station was recognised as the deepest metro station in India. Later in August, Jai Hind station emerged as the largest metro station in the country.

In December 2025, Metro Railway introduced direct services connecting the Yellow Line (Airport) with the Blue Line (Kavi Subhash/New Garia) via the Noapara interchange, enabling seamless cross-city travel. While these sections have become operational, work continues on the Purple Line (Majerhat-Esplanade) and the remaining stretches of the Orange Line (Beleghata-Sector V and onwards to the airport).

As the new year begins — a politically significant one for West Bengal — metro expansion remains a key focus, even as land acquisition issues continue to be a point of contention between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP. According to Metro Railway officials, 2026 will focus on completing critical links to form a near-continuous “ring” connecting south Kolkata, the IT hub, and the airport.

This is the most significant project slated for completion in 2026. While the New Garia-Beleghata section is already operational, the target is to commission the full 32-km corridor by December 2026, linking Kavi Subhash (New Garia) with Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport.

“It is one of the most important stretches of Kolkata Metro because it will connect the southern and eastern parts of the city with the airport. The total distance of this route will be 29.87 km. It will have an interchange with the Blue Line at Kavi Subhash and will eventually connect with the Green and Yellow lines at Jai Hind,” an official said.

Metro authorities are targeting August 2026 for the commencement of services on the Noapara-New Barrackpore stretch. However, the further extension to Barasat remains delayed due to land acquisition issues.

The terminal station of the Blue Line, which faced structural issues in 2025, is expected to be fully reconstructed and operational by mid-2026.

While full completion of the Purple Line is expected only by 2028, 2026 is crucial for its underground tunnelling phase. Tunnel Boring Machines ‘Durga’ and ‘Divya’ are expected to complete breakthroughs between Kidderpore, Victoria and Park Street during the year.

The Joka-Majerhat section is already operational, though no new stations on this line are scheduled to open for passengers in 2026.