Kolkata Metro has introduced QR code-based ticketing at selected stations and added Paytm booking ahead of Durga Puja, aiming to reduce queues as passenger movement rises across the city during the festival. Metro Railway said the QR facility would initially be available at 12 stations, although the report identifying the update names only 11 locations.
The QR ticketing system will allow passengers to buy Metro tickets by scanning stickers placed at participating stations without downloading a separate application. Commuters will also be able to book tickets through the Paytm app for travel between any two stations. These options will operate alongside the existing AAMAR KOLKATA METRO app.
The stations named in the report are Esplanade, Dum Dum, Dakshineswar, Rabindra Sarobar, Mahanayak Uttam Kumar, Kalighat, Howrah, Sealdah, Sovabazar-Sutanuti, Salt Lake Sector V and Dum Dum Cantonment. Metro Railway has said the QR facility will be extended to other stations across its corridors in the coming days. The report does not identify the 12th station included in the initial rollout.
The timing is significant because Kolkata sees increased travel during Durga Puja, with residents and visitors moving between neighbourhoods, commercial areas and pandal locations. Metro services are expected to remain a major part of the city’s festival transport network, particularly when road traffic and parking demand increase around busy destinations.
Metro Railway has also announced special services across the Blue, Green, Purple, Yellow and Orange lines from October 15 to 21. The Blue and Green lines will run overnight during Maha Saptami, Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, with services continuing until the early hours of the following day.
On Maha Panchami and Maha Sasthi, October 15 and 16, the Blue Line will operate 284 services between 6 am and 11 pm, with trains scheduled every six minutes during peak periods. From October 17 to 20, it will run 248 services from 1 pm until 4 am the next morning. On Dashami, October 21, the line will operate 140 services between 1 pm and 10.30 pm, with an eight-minute peak-hour frequency.
The Green Line will operate 240 services between Howrah Maidan and Salt Lake Sector V on October 15 and 16, followed by 192 services from October 17 to 20, when trains will run until nearly 4 am. On Dashami, 74 services are scheduled between 1.30 pm and 10.30 pm. Service frequencies will vary across the festival period.
The Yellow Line will run 120 services on October 15 and 16, with five direct services between Jai Hind Bimanbandar and Shahid Khudiram. The Purple Line will operate 84 services on those two days, while the Orange Line will run 62 services. No Orange Line services are scheduled from October 17 to 21.
Last year, Kolkata Metro also offered unlimited rides to Tourist Smart Card holders during the festive period. The cards were priced at Rs 250 for three days and Rs 550 for five days and were available at booking counters across Metro stations. Metro Railway’s current ticketing changes and special timetable are intended to manage the operational pressure expected during this year’s festival travel period.
