The long-awaited Bowbazar segment of the Kolkata Metro, linking Howrah and Sealdah stations, is set to begin commercial operations following a virtual inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 18 July.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Durgapur in West Burdwan for a BJP rally and will unveil the metro link service virtually, officials confirmed.

Spanning 2.5 km, the underground Bowbazar stretch has been one of the most complex phases of Kolkata Metro’s East-West corridor development. Executed by Rail Vikas Nigam Ltd, the project encountered numerous challenges, including protests, space constraints, and repeated cave-ins in the densely populated area. These incidents necessitated the rehabilitation of affected residents and delayed construction.