Kolkata: Commuters travelling between southern Kolkata and the city’s major IT hub may soon have a more convenient transport option. Trial runs on the Beleghata–IT Centre section of Kolkata Metro’s Orange Line began on Saturday, October 10, marking significant progress on a corridor that has faced prolonged construction delays.
The trial run took place on the occasion of Mahalaya, bringing the New Garia–Airport Metro project closer to its next operational milestone. The extension is expected to strengthen connectivity between the southern fringes of Kolkata and Salt Lake Sector V, an important destination for IT professionals and office commuters.
The Beleghata–IT Centre stretch remained delayed for months because of construction-related hurdles at Chingrighata Crossing. Work at the busy intersection had been held up over the required traffic and police clearances. Following the necessary permissions, construction activities were completed in phases, allowing trial operations to begin.
The trial runs will assess the performance of railway infrastructure, signalling equipment and train operations before passenger services can be introduced.
The latest development also marks the beginning of testing for the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system. This technology is designed to manage train movements more efficiently and support improved service frequency.
Engineers and railway officials will evaluate the system’s performance and identify any technical issues that need to be resolved before the route is opened to the public.
The extension towards Sector V is expected to add three stations to the operational network: Gour Kishore Ghosh, Nalban and Sector V (IT Centre).
Once commissioned, the section will provide a direct Metro connection between the existing Orange Line network at Beleghata and the Salt Lake IT hub. It will also enable interchange with Kolkata Metro’s Green Line at Sector V, improving access to the Howrah-bound Metro corridor.
The extension is expected to benefit office-goers, students and other daily commuters who currently depend on road transport to reach the area.
Trial runs are an essential step before commercial operations can begin. After testing is completed and any necessary corrections are made, the Metro authorities will seek inspection and clearance from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).
An official of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the implementing agency for the corridor, has indicated that commercial services on the extension are being targeted for the end of 2026. However, the proposed opening will depend on successful trials and the completion of all required safety procedures.
The Orange Line forms part of the larger New Garia–Jai Hind Bimanbandar (Airport) Metro corridor. The Beleghata–Sector V extension is expected to be an important step towards improving public transport connectivity across Kolkata and its surrounding areas.
