Kolkata, the first Indian city to have an underground metro system, has taken another big step in expanding its rapid transit network. On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 13 kilometers of new metro tracks and launched train services on three new routes — Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar, Sealdah-Esplanade, and Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay. These new sections will significantly improve connectivity across the city, enhancing access to the airport, IT hubs, and central business districts.

Ahead of the inauguration, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared a nostalgic post on social media, recalling her contributions during her tenure as Union Railway Minister. “Allow me to be a little nostalgic today,” she wrote, highlighting her role in planning and sanctioning several metro corridors for Kolkata during her terms as Railway Minister from 1999-2000 and 2009-2011. Banerjee said she was instrumental in preparing blueprints, arranging funds, and initiating work on major routes to ensure seamless connectivity between Joka, Garia, Airport, and Sector V.

The Trinamool Congress chief also noted her involvement in the execution of these projects as Chief Minister, stating that the state government provided free land, developed roads, rehabilitated displaced families, and resolved execution challenges through coordination meetings.

The Kolkata Metro, which began operations in 1984 by linking the city’s north and south, added an east-west corridor in 2020 connecting Salt Lake and Howrah. With the latest additions, travel time across the city will reduce significantly. The Noapara-Jai Hind Bimanbandar section will improve airport connectivity, the Sealdah-Esplanade stretch will cut travel time by about 30 minutes, and the Beleghata-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay section will strengthen access to the city’s IT hub.