Kolkata Metro Railway officials have announced that operations along the East-West corridor (Green Line) will be paused for the second time this month, from February 20 to February 23, for operational trials on the highly anticipated link between Esplanade and Sealdah stations.

The Green Line currently operates between two separate sections: Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah (9.4 km), and Esplanade to Howrah Maidan (4.8 km). However, the two-kilometre stretch linking Sealdah and Esplanade, which connects key commercial zones in Bidhannagar and Howrah, was delayed due to soil subsidence and water leakage issues in Bowbazar. Despite these challenges, track-laying work in the West-bound tunnel in Bowbazar was completed in December 2024.

Metro Railway officials confirmed that tunnelling work linking Esplanade and Sealdah is now finished, and trials are being conducted in two phases. During these two 4-day periods, operations along both Green Line stretches will be suspended.

The first phase of trials concluded on February 16, and the second phase will begin on February 20. However, officials were unable to confirm the exact date when the Sealdah-Esplanade connection will be operational.

Officials also revealed the installation of a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Central substation of the Blue Line to enhance passenger safety during power cuts or grid failures.