kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata Metro Railway has announced a temporary traffic block on the Green Line, also known as the East-West Metro corridor, for three consecutive days to facilitate critical testing of the CBTC or Communication-Based Train Control system. From saturday through monday, metro services between Howrah Maidan and Salt Lake Sector V will remain suspended to ensure seamless integration of the new technology, which is expected to enhance safety and increase the frequency of train operations. This essential move is part of a broader modernization project aimed at making Kolkata’s metro system smarter and more efficient.

The decision to halt services on the East-West Metro, Kolkata Green Line, comes at a time when authorities are fast-tracking infrastructure upgrades ahead of the upcoming full-fledged launch of Phase II operations. The CBTC system, already adopted in various global metro systems, allows automatic control of trains, ensuring minimal human error and reducing the distance between trains without compromising safety. Kolkata Metro officials confirmed that extensive trial runs and system calibration will take place during these three days, requiring a complete shutdown of public operations.

Metro Railway Kolkata has appealed to passengers to cooperate and avoid inconvenience by opting for alternative modes of transportation during this period. Though the disruption may affect thousands of daily commuters, especially office-goers and students who rely on metro travel between Howrah and Salt Lake, the administration has assured that the short-term discomfort is necessary for long-term gains. This temporary suspension is being widely communicated through various media channels and through announcements at all major metro stations.

Authorities stated that normal metro services on the Green Line will resume promptly on Monday following the completion of the technical testing. They also emphasized that passengers’ safety remains a top priority, and such upgrades will ultimately lead to more punctual, safer, and energy-efficient metro services in the near future.

This development has drawn mixed reactions from the public. While many commuters have expressed frustration over the inconvenience caused during working days, several passengers have welcomed the move, acknowledging the importance of advanced technology in public transportation systems.

With the East-West corridor seen as a vital connector between Howrah and Salt Lake IT hub, the efficiency of this line plays a significant role in the city's overall mobility. Experts suggest that the CBTC upgrade could eventually allow train intervals to shrink to as little as 90 seconds during peak hours, a major boost to Kolkata’s urban commute.

For updates on route schedules and real-time service alerts, Kolkata Metro has encouraged commuters to follow its official social media handles and website. Announcements will also be made via loudspeakers at busy junctions and through SMS alerts for registered passengers.

This three-day metro suspension underscores the city’s move toward smart infrastructure and modern mobility, with authorities committed to providing world-class transport solutions.