‘India Proud of Third-Largest Metro Network’: PM Modi Flags Off New Kolkata Routes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated multiple metro railway projects in Kolkata, underlining that India now has the third-largest metro network in the world. He said the expansion reflects the government’s focus on urban development and green mobility as the country moves toward becoming the third-largest economy.

“In every city, efforts are being made to promote green mobility with more charging points, electric buses, and metro expansions. Everyone is proud that India today has the third-largest metro network in the world,” PM Modi said while addressing a gathering after the launch. He also congratulated the people of Kolkata, calling the projects a boost to the city’s development.

PM Modi flagged off the Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar metro service from Jessore Road station, alongside the Sealdah–Esplanade and Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay sections, the latter two inaugurated virtually. He also took a metro ride on the new corridor.

The Sealdah–Esplanade line will cut travel time from nearly 40 minutes to just 11, while the Beleghata–Hemanta Mukhopadhyay stretch will improve access to the city’s IT hub. Together, the routes are expected to ease congestion, strengthen multimodal connectivity, and benefit lakhs of daily commuters.

Union ministers Ravneet Singh and Shantanu Thakur felicitated the Prime Minister at the event.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee marked the occasion with a post on X, recalling her role as Railways Minister in planning and sanctioning several metro corridors for Kolkata. Banerjee, who did not attend Friday’s inauguration, wrote: “As the Railways Minister of India, I had drawn the blueprints, arranged funds, and initiated the works to ensure different parts of the city were connected by an intra-city Metro grid. Later, as Chief Minister, I had the privilege of taking part in their execution.”