Kolkata Metro recorded its highest-ever single-day ridership and ticket revenue on Monday, carrying 10.5 lakh passengers and earning Rs 1.84 crore as pre-Puja shopping sharply increased demand across the network.
The figures, announced by Kolkata Metro, are the highest in the system’s history for both passenger numbers and ticket sales on a single day. The record came before the start of the main Puja period, when increased shopping and movement across Kolkata typically place additional pressure on public transport.
The Green Line made a significant contribution to the overall increase. Passenger numbers on the corridor reached 3.13 lakh in one day, also an all-time record for the line. The Purple Line crossed 13,000 passengers, while the Yellow Line carried more than 10,000 passengers on the same day.
The latest figures underline the growing role of the Metro in Kolkata’s public transport network, particularly during periods when road traffic and demand for city travel rise sharply. The record was achieved across multiple lines rather than being limited to the established Blue Line, with the Green Line’s performance emerging as a key factor.
Kolkata Metro has also announced extended services for the Puja period to manage the expected increase in passenger demand. The Blue and Green lines will operate through the night on the two days of Saptami, Ashtami and Nabami. During busy periods, trains will run every six minutes on the Blue Line and every eight minutes on the Green Line.
On Panchami and Shashthi, the Blue Line is scheduled to operate 284 trains. Services will begin at 6am, with the last train scheduled at 11pm, while peak-period trains will run at six-minute intervals. The Green Line will operate 240 trains on the two days.
The service plan provides for extended overnight operations from October 17 to October 20. On the Blue Line, services will run from 1pm until 4am the following day. On the Green Line, services will operate from 1.30pm until 3.59am the next day.
The decision to increase operating hours comes as Kolkata Metro faces the practical challenge of absorbing festival-related travel while maintaining service continuity. The record passenger numbers and revenue figures are expected to be followed by further increases during the Puja days, when the expanded timetable will be in force.
