Kolkata Metro’s Orange Line will begin trial runs between Chingrighata and Sector V on 10 October, marking a major step towards opening the corridor for passengers. The trials are scheduled to continue for at least one month and will include software alignment, system synchronisation and operational checks.

The trial section covers the Beleghata to IT Centre stretch, with three new stations at Gour Kishore Ghosh, Nalban and Sector V. The development is part of the 32 km New Garia-Airport Metro corridor, which is intended to improve connectivity across eastern Kolkata and the airport route.

A newly built footbridge at Sector V will connect the Green Line’s Sector V station with the Orange Line’s IT Centre station. The link is expected to provide an elevated, signal-free interchange between the two Metro lines, allowing passengers to transfer without crossing the road network.

The trial schedule follows the closure of a 366-metre gap at Chingrighata. The missing section had delayed the project for six years amid technical and administrative difficulties. Rail Vikas Nigam, which is carrying out the work, has also completed girder installation along the stretch.

Authorities are targeting the start of passenger services around Christmas. The opening would provide relief to commuters in the EM Bypass and Salt Lake areas, where construction barricades have affected movement during the project. Earlier delays included a 15-month wait for traffic clearance from Kolkata Police and legal proceedings before the Calcutta High Court.