The Kolkata Metro will boost the frequency of trains on its Orange Line (New Garia-Ruby More stretch). According to the latest update, beginning August 5, Kolkata Metro is all set to increase the number of trains, operating five days a week from Monday to Friday.
The Kolkata Metro officials informed that currently, 48 trains operate five days a week on the Orange Line. This will increase to 74 trains from August 5, running on an experimental basis. Services on this route will not be available on Saturdays and Sundays, officials added.
‘No booking counter stations’
Earlier, Kolkata Metro had informed that it will launch a pilot project introducing “No Booking Counter Stations” on the Purple and Orange Lines starting August 1, 2024. The announcement was made by Kausik Mitra, Chief Public Relations Officer of Metro Railway. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency at stations with lower passenger traffic.
The pilot will initially include three stations: Taratala and Sakherbazar on the Purple Line, and Kavi Sukanta on the Orange Line. Taratala serves about 70 passengers daily, Kavi Sukanta around 220, and Sakherbazar approximately 55. The decision to designate these stations as “No Booking Counter Stations” is based on their low passenger volumes.
Starting August 1, 2024, booking counters at these stations will be discontinued for issuing tokens, new Smart Cards, or recharging existing Smart Cards. Passengers will instead utilize Automatic Smart Card Recharge Machines (ASCRM) for these services.