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{{Redirect|Kolkata Metro Line 1|other uses|Line 1 (disambiguation){{!}}Line 1}}
{{Short description|Transit line of rapid transport in Kolkata, India}}
{{use Indian English|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}}
{{Infobox rail line
| name = <big> Blue Line </big>
| color = {{rail color|Kolkata Metro|Blue}}
| image = BLUE LINE.jpg
| image_width = 350px
| caption = A [[CRRC Dalian]] rake going towards Shahid Khudiram & [[Integral Coach Factory|ICF]] Medha standing at reversal point at {{stl|Kolkata Metro|Mahanayak Uttam Kumar}}
| type = [[Rapid transit]]
| system = [[Kolkata Metro]]
| owner = [[Indian Railways]]
| operator = [[Metro Railway, Kolkata]]
| status = Operational
| locale = [[Kolkata metropolitan region]]
| start = [[Dakshineswar metro station|Dakshineswar]] (North)
| end = [[Kavi Subhash metro station|Kavi Subhash]] (South)
| connectinglines = {{Plainlist|
* {{rint|Kolkata|Green}}
* {{rint|Kolkata|Yellow}}
* {{rint|Kolkata|Orange}}
*Future:
* {{rint|Kolkata|Purple}}
* {{rint|Kolkata|Pink}}

}}
| stations = 26
| daily_ridership = {{formatnum:600000}}–{{formatnum:650000}} (Weekdays) 
{{formatnum:380000}} (Weekends)
| ridership2 =18.93 crore(2024-2025)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://theprint.in/india/21-81-crore-passengers-travelled-in-kolkata-metro-railway-in-2024-25/2574535/
|title=21.81 Crore Passengers Travelled In-Kolkata Metro Railway in 2024-25|author=[[The print]]|date=2025-04-01}}</ref>
| open = {{Start date and age|1984|10|24|df=yes}}
| lastextension = {{Start date and age|2021|02|22|df=yes}}
| character = [[Underground Railroad|underground]], [[At-grade railway|at-grade]] and [[Elevated railway|elevated]]
| depot = {{Plainlist|
* [[Noapara Depot|Noapara]]
* [[Tollygunge depot|Tollygunge]]
* [[New Garia depot|New Garia]]
}}
| stock = {{Plainlist|
* [[Integral Coach Factory|ICF]] [[BHEL]]
* [[Integral Coach Factory|ICF]] MEDHA
* [[CRRC Dalian]]
}}
| linelength = {{cvt|32.13|km|mi}}
| tracklength =
| tracks = 2
| gauge = {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} broad gauge
| electrification = {{750 V DC|conductor=y}}
| speed = {{cvt|65|km/h}} (in service)
| signalling = [[Train Protection & Warning System|TPWS signalling]]
| website = {{URL|https://mtp.indianrailways.gov.in|Indian Railways}}
| elevation =
| map_name = Route Map
| map = [[File:Kolkata Metro Blue Line Route Map.png|300px]] {{Kolkata Metro Blue Line}}
| map_state = collapsed
}}
'''Blue Line''', also known as '''North–South Metro''', is a [[rapid transit]] metro line of the [[Kolkata Metro]] in [[Kolkata]], [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. It consists of 26 operational [[List of Kolkata metro stations|stations]] from [[Dakshineswar Metro Station|Dakshineswar]] to [[Kavi Subhash Metro Station|Kavi Subhash]], out of which 9 of the stations are elevated, 2 are at-grade and the remaining 15 are underground. With a total distance of {{convert|32.13|km|abbr=on}}, the line connects [[Dakshineswar]] and [[New Garia]] and uses {{Track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}} [[broad gauge]] tracks. This line was the first underground railway to be built in India, with the first operations commencing in October 1984 and the full stretch that was initially planned being operational by February 1995. On 28 December 2010, [[Kolkata Metro]] became the 17th zone of the [[Indian Railways]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Kolkata Metro is now the 17th zone of Indian Railways|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Kolkata-Metro-is-now-the-17th-zone-of-Indian-Railways/articleshow/7186301.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104080043/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-29/india/28264643_1_metro-railway-kolkata-metro-foundation-stone|url-status=live|archive-date=4 November 2012|access-date=29 December 2010|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=29 December 2010}}</ref> Being the country's first, and a completely indigenous process, the construction of the Kolkata Metro Blue Line was more of a trial-and-error affair, in contrast to the Delhi Metro, which has seen the involvement of numerous international consultants. As a result, it took nearly 23 years to completely construct around {{convert|15|km|abbr=on}} underground railway from Birpara up to [[Mahanayak Uttam Kumar metro station|Tollygunge]].

It connects [[Green Line (Kolkata Metro)|Green Line]] at [[Esplanade metro station|Esplanade]] and [[Orange Line (Kolkata Metro)|Orange]] at [[Kavi Subhash metro station|Kavi Subhash]], and will eventually connect [[Purple Line (Kolkata Metro)|Purple Line]] at [[Esplanade metro station|Esplanade]] and [[Park Street metro station (Kolkata)|Park Street]], [[Yellow Line (Kolkata Metro)|Yellow Line]] at [[Noapara metro station and depot|Noapara]] and [[Pink Line (Kolkata Metro)|Pink Line]] at [[Baranagar metro station|Baranagar]].
==Future Extensions==
Public transport experts have suggested that the line be extended from [[Dakshineswar]] to [[Bally, Howrah|Bally]] (where it can connect with [[Howrah railway division|Howrah Division]] of [[Kolkata Suburban Railway]]) and eventually to [[Dankuni]], an emerging industrial hub of [[Kolkata metropolitan region]].

== History ==
[[File:The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurates the several railway projects, in West Bengal on February 22, 2021 (3).jpg|thumb|Prime Minister [[Narendra Modi]] inaugurating the Noapara-Dakshineswar stretch of Blue Line on February 22, 2021.]]
The laying of the founding stone was done in 1972, but actual construction of Blue Line started only in 1978. Blue Line is {{convert|31.38|km|abbr=on}} long with 26 stations (see above). Running of the first metro car on the line by 1984 was considered a great engineering challenge. Former railways minister [[A. B. A. Ghani Khan Chowdhury]] took a massive effort to perform it. The first section opened between [[Esplanade, Kolkata|Esplanade]] & [[Bhawanipore]] (now called Netaji Bhawan). First day Metro Railway Kolkata was started by Sri Tapan Kumar Nath and Sri Sanjay Sil. There were no connections of this stretch with the two depots at [[Dum Dum]] & [[Tollygunge]] (Now called Mahanayak Uttam Kumar). So metro cars had to be put down on the track near Esplanade by crane, by directly digging the road surface. Initially, only four-car trains were run until 1986. There were no magnetic gates or escalators at that time and ordinary revolving gates served as exits. The Metro too operated on only a single line. Two years later, Blue Line extended up to Tollygunge, at the southern end. At the same time, the metro service was extended to the double line. Magnetic tickets and more entry gates were also introduced at that time. The number of compartments in each train was increased to eight.

Metro service was also started from [[Dum Dum]], at the northern end, to [[Belgachia]] in parallel with the extension of the line to the south. But this short portion was not popular and the service was closed down to be restarted when the entire stretch along the north–south corridor was completed.

After 1986 many political incidents hampered the construction, and work almost stopped for nearly six years. After restarting work, the [[Dum Dum]] to [[Shyambazar]] metro service was started in 1994. This portion was served by four-car trains. Two months later, the Esplanade – [[Chandni Chowk metro station (Kolkata)|Chandni Chowk]] section was opened and Chandni Chowk – [[Central metro station, Kolkata|Central]] section opened three months later. The service from Dum Dum to Tollygunge started in 1995, with [[Mahatma Gandhi Road metro station (Kolkata)|Mahatma Gandhi Road metro station]], opening in 1996. During this time, more magnetic gates and escalators were added and the revolving gates were slowly phased out.

In 2009, a large number of stations on Blue Line were renamed by then Minister of Railways [[Mamata Banerjee]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/game-of-the-name/cid/1266496|title=Game of the name}}</ref>

On 22 February 2021, the Noapara – Dakshineswar stretch was inaugurated by [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]].

On 21 July 2024, the entire stretch from Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhash, crossed 1.92 lakh passenger mark for the first time on a single day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/infrastructure-kolkata-metronbspdakshineswar-new-garia-blue-linesees-80-surge-in-ridership-3560250/lite/|title=Kolkata Metro: Dakshineswar-New Garia Blue Line's 80% surge in ridership|work=[[The Financial Express (India)|Financial Express]]|date=22 July 2024}}</ref>

On 28 July 2025, cracks were detected in the last four columns of the Line-1 Up platform at [[Kavi Subhash Metro Station|Kavi Subhash]] station, the line's southern terminus. So, the Line-1 platforms of the station were closed to passengers as a safety measure and the trains are being terminated at [[Shahid Khudiram metro station|Shahid Khudiram]] station. However, the empty rakes would continue to run up to the station for reversal and maintenance at its depot.<ref>{{cite-news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/new-garia-metro-station-closed-after-cracks-found-in-pillars/articleshow/122957679.cms|title=New Garia Metro station closed after cracks found in pillars|date=28 July 2025|access-date=31 July 2025}}</ref>On investigation, it was found that the damage on the columns supporting the platforms were weakened beyond repair. So, Metro Authorities decided to raze the entire Line-1 complex of the station (keeping the tracks intact) and rebuild it. E-tenders were floated and the work is expected to be completed within ten months.<ref>{{cite-news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/kavi-subhash-stn-to-be-razed-truncated-n-s-metro-services-for-at-least-a-year/articleshow/122981677.cms|title=Kavi Subhash station to be razed, truncated N-S Metro service|date=30 July 2025|access-date=31 July 2025}}</ref>

== Timeline ==
The following dates represent the dates the section opened to the public, not the private inauguration.
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
|-
! colspan="4" style="background:#{{rail color|Kolkata Metro|Blue}};" | '''History'''
|-
! width="5%" |Extension date
! width="5%" colspan="2"|Terminals
! width="7%" |Length
|-
| 24 October 1984||Esplanade||Bhowanipore ||{{convert|3.40|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
| 12 November 1984||Dum Dum||Belgachhia||{{convert|2.15|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
| 29 April 1986||Bhowanipur (now Netaji Bhavan)||Tollygunge (now Mahanayak Uttam Kumar)||{{convert|4.24|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
| 13 August 1994||Belgachhia||Shyambazar||{{convert|1.63|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
| 2 October 1994||Esplanade||Chandni Chowk||{{convert|0.71|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
| 19 February 1995||Shyambazar||Girish Park||{{convert|1.92|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
| 19 February 1995||Chandni Chowk||Central||{{convert|0.60|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
| 27 September 1995||Central||Girish Park||{{convert|1.80|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
| 22 August 2009||Tollygunge (Mahanayak Uttam Kumar)||Garia Bazar (now Kavi Nazrul)||{{convert|5.85|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
| 7 October 2010||Garia Bazar (now Kavi Nazrul)||New Garia (now Kavi Subhash)||{{convert|3.00|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
| 10 July 2013||Dum Dum||Noapara||{{convert|2.09|km|mi|sp=us}}
|-
|22 February 2021
|Noapara
|Dakshineswar
|{{convert|4.1|km|mi|abbr=off|sp=us}}
|-
!Total ||Dakshineswar||New Garia (now Kavi Subhash){{efn|The train currently terminates at Shahid Khudiram station.}}||{{convert|31.3|km|mi|sp=us}}
|}

== Stations==
{{Main|List of Kolkata metro stations}}

The stations of this Line are:
The stations of this Line are:
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;margin:auto;"
| colspan="8" style="background:#{{rail color|Kolkata Metro|Blue}};" |'''Blue Line'''

|-
! rowspan="2" |#
! colspan="2" rowspan="1" |Station Name
! rowspan="2" |Distance (km)
! rowspan="2" |Opening
! rowspan="2" |Connections
! rowspan="2" |Layout
! rowspan="2" |Platform Type
|-
![[English language|English]]
![[Bengali language|Bengali]]
|-
|1
|[[Dakshineswar metro station|Dakshineswar]]
|দক্ষিণেশ্বর
|0
| colspan="1" rowspan="2" |22 February 2021
|{{rint|kolkata|s}} '''[[Dakshineswar railway station|Dakshineswar]]'''
{{rint|ferry}} Ma Bhabotarini Jetty Ghat
| colspan="1" rowspan="4" |Elevated
| colspan="1" rowspan="2" |Side
|-
|2
|[[Baranagar metro station|Baranagar]]
|বরাহ নগর
|1.759
|{{rint|Kolkata|pink}} ''(Proposed)''
{{rint|kolkata|s}} '''[[Baranagar Road railway station|Baranagar Road]]'''
|-
|3
|[[Noapara Metro Station|Noapara]]
|নোয়াপাড়া
|2.38
|10 July 2013
|{{rint|Kolkata|yellow}}
|Side & Island
|-
|4
|[[Dum Dum Metro Station|Dum Dum]]
|দমদম
|2.091
| colspan="1" rowspan="2" |12 November 1984
|{{rint|kolkata|s}} '''[[Dum Dum Junction|Dum Dum Jn]]'''
|Side
|-
|5
|[[Belgachia metro station|Belgachia]]
|বেলগাছিয়া
|2.151
|
| colspan="1" rowspan="15" |Underground
| colspan="1" rowspan="8" |Island
|-
|6
|[[Shyambazar metro station|Shyambazar]]
|শ্যামবাজার
|1.625
| colspan="1" rowspan="3" |15 February 1995
|
|-
|7
|[[Shobhabazar Sutanuti Metro Station|Shobhabazar Sutanuti]]
|শোভাবাজার সুতানুটি
|0.929
|
|-
|8
|[[Girish Park Metro Station|Girish Park]]
|গিরিশ পার্ক
|1.001
|
|-
|9
|[[Mahatma Gandhi Road Metro Station, Kolkata|Mahatma Gandhi Road]]
|মহাত্মা গান্ধী রোড
|0.766
|27 September 1995
|
|-
|10
|[[Central (Kolkata Metro)|Central]]
|সেন্ট্রাল
|1.037
| colspan="1" rowspan="2" |15 February 1995
|
|-
|11
|[[Chandni Chowk Metro Station, Kolkata|Chandni Chowk]]
|চাঁদনি চক
|0.598
|
|-
|12
|[[Esplanade Metro Station|Esplanade]]
|এসপ্ল্যানেড
|0.705
| colspan="1" rowspan="5" |24 October 1984
|{{rint|Kolkata|purple}} ''(Under Construction)''
{{rint|Kolkata|ewm}} {{rint|Kolkata|green}}
|-
|13
|[[Park Street metro station (Kolkata)|Park Street]]
|পার্ক স্ট্রীট
|0.808
|{{rint|Kolkata|purple}} ''(Under Construction)''
|Side
|-
|14
|[[Maidan Metro Station|Maidan]]
|ময়দান
|1.536
|
| colspan="1" rowspan="6" |Island
|-
|15
|[[Rabindra Sadan Metro Station|Rabindra Sadan]]
|রবীন্দ্র সদন
|1.015
|
|-
|16
|[[Netaji Bhavan Metro Station|Netaji Bhavan]]
|নেতাজি ভবন
|0.848
|
|-
|17
|[[Jatin Das Park Metro Station|Jatin Das Park]]
|যতীন দাস পার্ক
|1.033
| colspan="1" rowspan="4" |29 April 1986
|
|-
|18
|[[Kalighat Metro Station|Kalighat]]
|কালীঘাট
|0.621
|
|-
|19
|[[Rabindra Sarobar Metro Station|Rabindra Sarobar]]
|রবীন্দ্র সরোবর
|1.864
|{{rint|kolkata|s}} '''[[Tollygunge railway station|Tollygunge]]'''
|-
|20
|[[Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Metro Station|Mahanayak Uttam Kumar]]
|মহানায়ক উত্তম কুমার
|1.344
||{{rint|Kolkata|Purple}} ''(Proposed)''
|At Grade
|Side & Island
|-
|21
|[[Netaji Metro Station|Netaji]]
|নেতাজি
|1.814
| colspan="1" rowspan="4" |22 August 2009
|
| colspan="1" rowspan="5" |Elevated
| colspan="1" rowspan="6" |Side
|-
|22
|[[Masterda Surya Sen Metro Station|Masterda Surya Sen]]
|মাস্টারদা সূর্য সেন
|1.722
|
|-
|23
|[[Gitanjali Metro Station|Gitanjali]]
|গীতাঞ্জলি
|1.053
|
|-
|24
|[[Kavi Nazrul Metro Station|Kavi Nazrul]]
|কবি নজরুল
|1.245
|
|-
|25
|[[Shahid Khudiram metro station|Shahid Khudiram]]
|শহিদ ক্ষুদিরাম
|1.275
| colspan="1" rowspan="2" |7 October 2010
|
|-
|26
|[[Kavi Subhash Metro Station|Kavi Subhash]]
(Under Construction)

(Trains terminate at Shahid Khudiram temporarily)
|কবি সুভাষ
|0.91
|{{rint|Kolkata|orange}}
{{rint|kolkata|s}} '''[[New Garia railway station|New Garia]]'''
|At Grade
|}
[[File:Kolkata Metro.jpg|thumb|Kolkata Metro rake on the north–south line.]]

=== Alignment & interchanges ===
[[Dakshineswar metro station|Dakshineswar]], [[Baranagar metro station|Baranagar]], [[Dum Dum metro station|Dum Dum]], [[Noapara metro station and depot|Noapara]], [[Park Street metro station (Kolkata)|Park Street]], [[Mahanayak Uttam Kumar metro station|Mahanayak Uttam Kumar]], [[Netaji metro station|Netaji]], [[Masterda Surya Sen metro station|Masterda Surya Sen]], [[Gitanjali metro station|Gitanjali]], [[Kavi Nazrul metro station|Kavi Nazrul]], [[Shahid Khudiram metro station|Shahid Khudiram]] and [[Kavi Subhash metro station|Kavi Subhash]] have side platforms; all other stations have island platforms. [[Mahanayak Uttam Kumar metro station|Mahanayak Uttam Kumar]] is an exception as it has both platforms on the sides as well as in the centre. Dakshineswar, Baranagar, Dum Dum, [[Rabindra Sarobar metro station|Rabindra Sarobar]] & Kavi Subhash have connections to interchange with [[Kolkata Suburban Railway]]. [[Shyambazar metro station|Shyambazar]], [[Mahatma Gandhi Road metro station (Kolkata)|Mahatma Gandhi Road]], [[Esplanade metro station|Esplanade]], [[Kalighat metro station|Kalighat]]. The [[EM Bypass]] can be accessed from the Shahid Khudiram metro station and Kavi Subhash metro station.

=== Extension up to New Garia (2010) ===
[[Mamata Banerjee]] during her first tenure as the railway minister initiated the project of Tollygunge – Garia metro extension. During her second tenure (2009–2011) she inaugurated the extension, and also introduced new [[Kolkata Metro rolling stock|Air Conditioned rakes]], manufactured indigenously at the [[Integral Coach Factory]].

The new extension to Garia Bazar in the south opened to the public on 23 August 2009. The Garia Bazar station was named after [[Kazi Nazrul Islam|Kavi Nazrul]]. A final extension, in the southern end, from Kavi Nazrul ([[Garia Bazar Metro Station|Garia Bazar]]) to [[Kavi Subhash metro station|Kavi Subhash]] (New Garia) was inaugurated on 7 October 2010, bringing the total number of stations to 23. On the same day, two Air-Conditioned rakes were also pressed into service.

=== Extension up to Noapara (2013) and Dakshineswar (2021) ===
The line was extended up to [[Noapara, West Bengal|Noapara]] from Dum Dum on 10 July 2013. The line was further extended from Noapara to [[Dakshineswar]] (4.1 km) is now complete & operational. It will be met by a metro line from [[Barrackpore]] at [[Baranagar metro station|Baranagar]] (12.5 km).<ref name="Mamata lays foundation for Dum Dum-Dakshineswar Metro">{{cite web|author=Express News Service |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/mamata-lays-foundation-for-dum-dumdakshineswar-metro/562722/ |title=Mamata lays foundation for Dum Dum-Dakshineswar Metro |publisher=Express India |date=3 January 2010 |access-date=7 July 2012}}</ref> Trial runs for this stretch started on 23 December 2020, after delay due to COVID-19 pandemic. The stretch was inaugurated on 22 February 2021 & commercial operations began from the following day.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mondal|first=Biswadeep|date=23 December 2020|title=Metrorail Kolkata conducts first trial run of Kolkata's Dakshineswar Metro|work=Mint|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/watch-railways-conducts-first-trial-run-of-kolkata-s-dakshineswar-metro-11608718267477.html}}</ref>

The stations on this stretch are :

# [[Noapara metro station and depot|Noapara]]
# [[Baranagar metro station|Baranagar]]
# [[Dakshineswar metro station|Dakshineswar]]

== Features ==

=== Technical features ===
[[File:Kolkata Metro CRRC Dalian rake 3.jpg|thumb|Rake at [[Girish Park metro station]].]]
Metro construction is of a very complex nature requiring the application of several new technologies in the fields of civil, electrical, signaling and telecommunication engineering. Indian engineers backed by their own experience and supplemented by their studies abroad adopted advanced technologies in the following fields for the first time in India.

* Cut and cover method of construction using diaphragm walls and sheet piles.
* Use of extensive decking to keep the traffic flowing over the cut while construction is in progress underneath.
* Shield tunneling using compressed air and airlocks.
* Ballastless track using elastic fastenings, rubber pads, epoxy mortar and nylon inserts.
* Air-conditioning and ventilation system for environmental control of stations and tunnels.
* Third Rail current collection system for traction.
* Underground substations with dry-type transformers and SF6 circuit breakers.
* Tunnel-Train VHF-radio communication system.
* Microprocessor-based train control and supervisory remote control system for substations.
* Automatic ticket vending and checking system.

=== Salient features ===
{| class=wikitable
|-
| Total route length
| {{convert|32.13|km|mi|abbr=on}}
|-
| Stations
| 26 (15 underground, 2 on the surface and 9 elevated)
|-
| Gauge
| {{convert|1676|mm|ftin|abbr=on}}, Indian Broad Gauge
|-
| Cars per train
| 8
|-
| Maximum permissible speed
| {{convert|80|km/h|abbr=on}}
|-
| Average speed
| {{convert|30-31|km/h|mph|1|abbr=on}}
|-
| Voltage
| 750 V D.C.
|-
| Method of current collection
| Third Rail
|-
| Travel Time: Dakshineswar to Kavi Subhash
| 62 minutes (approx.)
|-
|Headways
| Average 10 minutes
|-
| Total estimated cost of the project
| {{INRConvert|18.25|b|1}} (approx.)
|-
| Environment control
| Air conditioners are used in all trains.
|}

=== Proposed Feature and Expansion ===
Platform Screen Doors (PSDs) are a system of full height/half height motorized sliding doors that provide controlled access to the trains and protect the platform edge. PSD work is proposed for all stations in this line to minimize accidents common in this route. This plan was proposed after the successful utilization of Platform Screen Doors to keep the number of suicidal cases on the [[Green Line (Kolkata Metro)|Green Line]] to absolute zero.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kolkata Metro ने स्टेशन पर सुसाइड रोकने के लिए उठाया ये कदम, सभी प्लेटफॉर्म पर किए जाएंगे खास इंतजाम - Kolkata Metro decision Automatic screen doors will be installed on Platform to Prevent Suicide |url=https://www.jagran.com/west-bengal/kolkata-kolkata-metro-decision-automatic-screen-doors-will-be-installed-on-platform-to-prevent-suicide-23514298.html |access-date=2023-08-29 |website=Jagran |language=hi}}</ref>

Metro Railway also plans to extend the platform and viaduct of [[Dakshineswar metro station]] by ~{{cvt|90|m}} via erection of two new pillars beyond the current length to facilitate a crossover so that the trains can switch tracks faster in order to increase the frequency of services to the [[Noapara metro station|Noapara]]–Dakshineswar stretch.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metro Rly Seeks Land For Platform Extension |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/metro-rly-seeks-land-for-platform-extension/articleshow/106797230.cms |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

== Rolling stock ==
{{Main|Kolkata Metro rolling stock}}

===[[Integral Coach Factory|ICF]]/[[Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited|BHEL]]===

[[File:KolkataMetro3000siries.JPG|thumb]]

===[[Integral Coach Factory|ICF]]/MEDHA===

{{Infobox train
| background = #0033FF
| name = ICF/MEDHA rake
| image = File:Kolkata metro at Dakshineswar metro station.jpg
| imagesize = 255px
| caption = MEDHA metro rake at Dakshineswar metro station
| stocktype =
| service = 2019–present
| manufacturer = [[Integral Coach Factory]] and Medha Servo Drives Private Limited
| designer = [[Integral Coach Factory]]
| assembly = [[Chennai]], {{flag|India}}
| family = ICF 4000 series
| numberbuilt = 18
| numberservice = 18
| formation = 2DTC+4MC+2TC
| code = MR-40''n''
| depots =
* [[Noapara metro station and depot#Depot|Noapara Depot]]
* [[New Garia depot|New Garia Depot]]
* [[Joka depot|Joka Depot]]
| operator =[[Metro Railway, Kolkata]]
| capacity = 3,520
| lines =
* {{ric|Kolkata Metro|blue|name=y}}
* {{ric|Kolkata Metro|purple|name=y}}
* {{ric|Kolkata Metro|orange|name=y}}
* {{ric|Kolkata Metro|yellow|name=y}}
| trainlength =
| carlength = 19.5 m
| width = 2.74 m
| height = 3.625 m
| doors =[[Sliding door operator|Automatic Sliding door]]s
| maxspeed = 90 kmph
| traction motors = 204 kW /[[3 phase]]
| poweroutput = 3264 HP
| acceleration = 0.85 m/s2
| deceleration = 1.1 m/s2
| hvac = Air conditioned
| collectionmethod = [[Contact shoe]]
| bogies = [[ICF coach#Bogie frame|ICF bogie]]
| brakes = Regenerative braking
| coupling = [[Scharfenberg coupler]]
| seating = Longitudinal facing seats
| gauge = {{Track gauge|Indian|al=on}}
}}

===[[CRRC Dalian]]===

{{Infobox train
| background = purple
| name = [[CRRC Dalian]] rake
| image = Kolkata Metro CRRC Dalian rake 5.jpg
| imagesize = 255px
| caption = The first rake at [[Noapara depot]]
| manufacturer = [[CRRC]]
| assembly = [[Dalian]], China
| family =
| numberbuilt = 16
| numberservice = 2
| code = MR-50''n''
| operator = [[Metro Railway, Kolkata]]
| depots = [[Noapara metro station and depot#Depot|Noapara]]
| lines = {{ric|Kolkata Metro|blue}} Blue line 
{{ric|Kolkata Metro|yellow|name=y}}
| carlength = 19.5 m
| width = 2.74 m
| height = 3.65 m
| floorheight = 1.13 m
| wheeldiameter = 860 mm
| maxspeed = 80 kmph
| axleload = 17 tons
| powersupply = [[750 V DC]]
| hvac = Air conditioned
| electricsystem = [[Third rail]]
| collectionmethod = [[Contact shoe]]
| seating = Longitudinal facing seats
| gauge = {{Track gauge|Indian|al=on}}
| notes = Passenger operation Started on 17th march 2023
}}
There was a need to replace non-AC rakes on Blue line and so during mid 2015 it was announced that Indian Railways for the first time would rope an international train-maker, [[CRRC|China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC)]] based in [[Dalian]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/modern-chinese-rakes-for-kolkata-metro-115061700716_1.html|title=Modern Chinese rakes for Kolkata Metro|last1=Basak|first1=Probal|date=20 June 2015|website=Business Standard India|access-date=5 March 2019}}</ref> As per the tender, 14 new rakes composed of 8 coaches each will be supplied to [[Kolkata Metro]] by [[CRRC Dalian|CNR Dalian]], a subsidiary of [[CRRC Dalian]], which will be running on Blue Line. These rakes will be of ultra-modern technology. They will have doors that will be {{Cvt|20|cm}} wider than any other metro rails in India. They will have wide vestibules, {{Convert|2|ft|6|in}} wider than the existing trains. The design consists of the aerodynamic front with large doors and [[LED lamp|LED Lights]], and violet colored stripe on silver color body. These rakes are capable of a top speed of {{Cvt|80|km/h}}. The first of the 14 rakes from Chinese firm [[Dalian]] was slated to arrive by December 2017 but got delayed due to various reasons. The first rake finally arrived in [[Kolkata]] on 3 March 2019 on a vessel at Netaji Subhash dock of [[Port of Kolkata|Kolkata port]].<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/metro-rake-from-china-off-vessel/cid/1686223|title=Metro rake from China off vessel|website=www.telegraphindia.com|access-date=5 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043437/https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/west-bengal/metro-rake-from-china-off-vessel/cid/1686223|archive-date=6 March 2019|url-status=live}}</ref> Each of the 8 coaches of the rake weigh nearly 45 tonnes. The rake was unloaded and taken to [[Noapara metro station and depot#Depot|Noapara Carshed]], after which trial runs and inspection would be carried out before commencing operations. Other 13 rakes are ready, but the shipment got delayed due to the ongoing [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus pandemic]].

These rakes were under performance trials for more than 20 months as serious problems related to performance of the rake were identified during trials. Some of the issues related to insufficient power to climb up the slopes in the tunnels and higher oscillation in the bogie.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|url=http://www.crrcgc.cc/dl/g8425/s16347/t282022.aspx|title=印度加尔各答地铁车辆_产品中心_城轨_大连公司|website=www.crrcgc.cc|access-date=2019-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812123646/http://www.crrcgc.cc/dl/g8425/s16347/t282022.aspx|archive-date=2019-08-12|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=25 June 2020|first=Jayanta |last=Gupta|title=Kolkata: With Chinese signal system deal off the table, fate of 13 Dalian Metro rakes hangs in balance |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/with-chinese-signal-system-deal-off-the-table-fate-of-13-dalian-metro-rakes-hangs-in-balance/articleshow/76591021.cms|access-date=2020-09-06|website=The Times of India}}</ref>

On 17 March 2023, the first Dalian rake was inducted into service. Another 3 rakes will arrive soon.

===Old fleet===

[[File:KolkataMetroOldCoaches.jpg|right|thumb|220x220px|Kolkata Metro Old fleet, Discontinued in 2021 |alt=]]
The whole fleet is vestibuled. Carbodies and mechanical components were made by ICF with electrical components made by NGEF, [[Bangalore]]. The fleet is unique in that it is the only railroad equipment in India with end-mounted cab doors (except for some of the WAG-6 series locomotives).

ICF has specifically designed, manufactured and supplied these cars for the first underground railway system. The special features incorporated are:
* Traction power supply through third rail current collection system.
* Automatic door opening/closing and continuous monitoring of the transit.
* Automatic Train Stop (ATS) system which will automatically apply the brakes in case of human failure.
* Automatic train operation (ATO) with the driver acting as the train supervisor (optional).
* A public address system is provided on the trains to announce approaching stations. A central dispatcher can contact any of the train crew and also make important announcements directly to passengers over the system.

With all these features, the design and manufacturing process of these cars to a very high standard of reliability and safety has been a challenge. This was achieved without any technical collaboration.

== Reservation for women ==
In 2008, the Kolkata Metro Railway experimented with the practice of reserving two entire compartments for women.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/life-in-a-ladies-metro/cid/1260947|title=Life in a ladies' Metro|website=www.telegraphindia.com|language=en|access-date=2020-02-21}}</ref>

This system was found to be ineffective and caused inconvenience for a lot of commuters (including women) and the plan was eventually dropped by the metro authority. But a certain section of seats in each of the eight compartments is reserved for women.

== Problems with this line ==

The founder of Delhi Metro, [[E. Sreedharan]] said Indian Railways are not experts at urban transport, and misplanned the Kolkata metro from the beginning.<ref name="intoday1">{{cite web|url=http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/e-sreedharan-delhi-metro-interview/1/21128.html|title=DMRC MD E Sreedharan says many Indian cities need metro rail urgently – Business Today|date=9 January 2012|publisher=Businesstoday.intoday.in|access-date=7 July 2012}}</ref> A private company should run the metro and can bring it up to standard in five years.<ref name="intoday1" />

Since Kolkata Metro is under Indian Railways, it can't take its own independent decisions. It has to rely on Indian Railways for everything (like rakes etc.). The rakes are ordered directly from ICF without floating any global tenders.

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== See also ==
*[[List of Kolkata metro stations]]
*[[Kolkata Metro Rolling Stock]]
*[[Trams in Kolkata]]
*[[Kolkata Suburban Railway]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Kolkata Metro Blue Line}}
*Old {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20070820234733/http://www.kolmetro.com/ Official Website for Blue Line]}}
*New [https://mtp.indianrailways.gov.in/ Official Website for all lines]

{{Kolkata topics}}
{{Kolkata Metro|blue line=yes}}

[[Category:Kolkata Metro lines]]
[[Category:Railway lines opened in 1984]]

Blue Line Kolkata Metro - Revision history

Scrapuncle at 17:19, 3 May 2026