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Kolkata’s metro network has received fresh government approval for infrastructure strengthening focused mainly on the North-South Metro corridor. The plan includes allocation of nearly INR 895.3 crore for system upgrades, with a major share directed towards improving power supply, traction substations, and signalling systems. These upgrades are expected to support higher train frequency and improve reliability for daily commuters. The initiative also aims to address operational stress caused by rising passenger demand and ageing infrastructure, while improving coordination across agencies handling metro execution and maintenance.
Kolkata’s metro system is set for further strengthening after fresh government approval for infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving efficiency on key urban transport corridors. The focus continues to remain on the North-South Metro corridor, also known as the Blue Line, which carries a large share of daily commuters and continues to operate under high passenger pressure. Advertisement
Under the approved plan, projects worth around INR 895.3 crore have been sanctioned for metro and related railway infrastructure development. A significant portion of this allocation, about INR 671.7 crore, has been earmarked specifically for strengthening the Blue Line corridor. The remaining funds are directed towards associated railway infrastructure improvements that support metro operations.
The upgrade programme includes installation of new traction substations and strengthening of existing power supply systems to ensure smoother and more stable electricity distribution across the network. Officials have also planned improvements in auxiliary electrical systems that support station operations and train movement. These enhancements are aimed at reducing technical disruptions and ensuring consistent power availability, especially during peak hours when demand is high.
Alongside electrical upgrades, the signalling system is also being modernised to improve train movement efficiency. The planned improvements are expected to support shorter intervals between trains, which can help increase service frequency and reduce waiting time for passengers. The current signalling setup, which has been in use for several years, has been facing operational limitations due to increasing traffic load.
The Blue Line remains one of the busiest metro corridors in the city, and passenger demand has steadily increased over time. The existing infrastructure is now under pressure due to higher ridership and ageing system components, making these upgrades necessary for maintaining service reliability.
The development push also includes strengthening of supporting infrastructure such as system balancing equipment and additional substations to ensure uninterrupted operations. These improvements are expected to enhance overall operational stability and reduce the risk of service delays.
The latest approvals come at a time when metro expansion and execution timelines in Kolkata have faced delays due to coordination challenges among multiple agencies. However, recent alignment between central and state-level stakeholders is expected to help improve execution speed for ongoing and planned projects.
Earlier expansion efforts in the city focused primarily on extending metro connectivity to new areas, but several projects were slowed due to issues related to land acquisition, utility shifting, and approval processes. The current focus is more on improving existing corridors while gradually supporting future network expansion.
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