Metro Railway, Kolkata, will mark its 40th anniversary on October 24, celebrating four decades of transforming urban transit in the city. The metro service, which began with a modest 3.4 km stretch from Esplanade to Bhawanipore (now Netaji Bhavan), has grown into an expansive network spanning 58.6 km, connecting various parts of the city.

Earlier this year, the launch of Green Line 2, which links Howrah to Esplanade, made Kolkata Metro a national pioneer, as it became the first service in India to operate an underwater metro corridor beneath the Ganges. This breakthrough route has facilitated smoother commutes for passengers from districts like Howrah, Hooghly, Midnapore, and North and South 24 Parganas.

The authorities plan to extend the network further to connect the airport, Rajarhat, and New Town, aiming to enhance convenience for commuters across the city and adjoining areas. Kolkata Metro’s evolution from India’s first metro system to the nation’s first underwater corridor underscores its significant role in reshaping urban mobility.