Starting February 28, Kolkata Metro Railway will allow commuters to purchase multiple paper-based QR tickets in a single transaction across all lines except the Purple Line (Joka-Majerhat). Until now, passengers could buy only one ticket per transaction, often leading to long queues and increased waiting times. The new system enables the purchase of up to seven tickets in one go, significantly improving ticketing efficiency and commuter convenience. The service will be available on the following lines: Blue Line (Dakshineswar-New Garia) Orange Line (New Garia-Ruby Crossing) Green Line (Howrah Maidan-Esplanade) In a major safety upgrade, Kolkata Metro will also install a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Central station substation on the 16 km Tollygunge-Dumdum underground stretch. This first-of-its-kind initiative in India will ensure that, in the event of a power cut or grid failure, passenger-packed trains can be safely transported at 30 km/hr from mid-tunnel to the next station. Industry and Market Outlook The introduction of digital ticketing solutions and power backup systems highlights India’s growing emphasis on smart urban mobility. As metro networks expand, investments in automated fare collection, energy-efficient transit solutions, and passenger safety technologies are expected to surge. Kolkata Metro’s adoption of BESS technology aligns with global trends in sustainable transit infrastructure, paving the way for enhanced commuter experience and resilience in metro operations.