Kolkata Metro Line 1 was the country’s first and entirely homegrown project, launched in 1984. The creation of Line 1 was a historic event of immense importance. It was built through a trial-and-error approach, with ongoing learning and adjustments. Let’s look at how this line impacted the city’s transportation infrastructure and real estate market.
The Blue Line, popularly known as the North-South Metro of the Kolkata Metro Railways, is the country’s oldest operational metro line. It was the first line created by the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC). This line was also the first in India to implement an automated system for ticket sales and verification. Another remarkable achievement is that this route was India’s first underground railway. This line currently has a daily ridership of roughly 600,000 during the week and 380,000 on weekends.
Stations and interchanges along the Kolkata Metro Blue Line
The Blue Line includes 26 stops and covers 32.25 kilometers. The Blue Line connects smoothly with other metro routes, providing unparalleled convenience. There are 26 operable stations along this 32-kilometer circuit between Dakshinwar and Kavi Subhash. There are nine elevated stations, two at-grade stations, and fifteen underground stations.
The Blue Line connects to all of the other lines: Green, Yellow, Orange, Purple, and Pink. It connects Line 3 (Purple Line) at Esplanade to Line 6 (Orange) at Kavi Subhash. In the future, it will connect Line 4 (Yellow) at Noapara to Line 5 (Pink) at Baranagar.
| Station Name | |
|---|---|
| Dakshineswar | Maidan |
| Baranagar (Interchange for Pink Line) | Rabindra Sadan |
| Noapara (Interchange for Yellow Line) | Netaji Bhavan |
| Dum Dum | Jatin Das Park |
| Belgachia | Kalighat |
| Shyambazar | Rabindra Sarobar |
| Shobhabazar Sutanuti | Mahanayak Uttam Kumar |
| Girish Park | Netaji |
| Mahatma Gandhi Road | Masterda Surya Sen |
| Central | Gitanjali |
| Chandni Chowk | Kavi Nazrul |
| Esplanade (Interchange for Purple and Green Line) | Shahid Khudiram |
| Park Street (Interchange for Purple Line) | Kavi Subhash (Interchange for Orange Line) |
Kolkata Metro Blue Line Route Map
Here’s a route map for the Kolkata Metro Blue Line
The timing and pricing of the Kolkata Metro Blue Line
Kolkata Metro operations begin at 6:50 a.m. from Dumdum, and the last train departs at 10:29 p.m. from Kavi Subhash. The Blue Line metro runs approximately every four minutes. Kolkata Metro has the most affordable starting fare in India, at Rs 5. Here’s the tariff chart for the Kolkata Metro Blue Line based on distance:
| Zone | Distance (km) | Line 1 (Blue Line) fare |
|---|---|---|
| I | 0-2 | Rs 5 |
| II | 2-5 | Rs 10 |
| III | 5-10 | Rs 15 |
| IV | 10-20 | Rs 20 |
| V | 20-30 | Rs 25 |
Kolkata Metro Blue Line: Key insights and fast facts.
Here are some of the main attractions and features of the Kolkata Metro Blue Line.
The production cost was approximately Rs 415 crore.
Initially, only four-car trains operated until 1986.
There were no magnetic gates or escalators. Revolving gates were utilized as exits.
Trains operated on a single line.
The 15-kilometer segment between Birpara and Tollygunge took roughly 23 years to complete.
The last extension on the Kolkata Metro Blue Line occurred on February 22, 2021.
Its operational speed is 55 km/h, with a maximum permitted speed of 80 km/h.
Impact on the Real Estate Market
The Kolkata Metro Blue Line has had a significant impact on real estate, driving both residential and commercial growth. The following are some of the major impacts of the Kolkata Metro Blue Line on the city’s real estate infrastructure:
The demand for residences and businesses has increased around metro stations such as Dum Dum, Belgachia, Shyambazar, Esplanade, and Tollygunge.
Property values have risen dramatically along the Blue Line. Buyers pay more for easy metro access; hence, Sealdah, Tangra, and Entally are more expensive than neighborhoods without it.
| Localities | Current Price | Last 1 year | Last 3 years | Last 5 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sealdah | Rs 9,050/ sq ft | 3.40% | 13.10% | 25.70% |
| Tangra | Rs 10,350/ sq ft | 26.20% | 51.10% | 72.50% |
| Entally | Rs 9,650/ sq ft | 11.50% | 23.70% | 45.10% |
Rental rates for homes and offices have increased. Professionals, students, and businesses choose metro-connected neighborhoods, which increases demand for rentals.
Metro connectivity has transformed areas like as Esplanade, Park Street, and Tollygunge into business hubs.
To summarize, the Kolkata Metro Blue Line has improved city transportation and traffic flow since 1984. It has fuelled real estate boom, driving up demand, property values, and rental rates around metro stations. Business districts have grown, and infrastructure has developed in the surrounding areas. With its seamless linkages to other metro corridors, the Blue Line remains critical to Kolkata’s prosperity and mobility.
