Kolkata Conducts Successful Trial Run on Noapara-Airport Metro Route

29 Jan 2025 CW Team

Kolkata’s metro network is set for a major expansion as the first trial run on the Noapara-Airport Metro route was successfully conducted on January 25, 2025. Covering a 7.04 km stretch of the Yellow Line, this trial marks a significant step toward the route’s full operational launch, expected by mid-2025. The new metro extension will connect Noapara to Jai Hind Biman Bandar (Kolkata Airport), easing travel for thousands of daily commuters. The trial run, which began at Noapara at 12:09 PM, made stops at Dum Dum Cantonment and Jessore Road before reaching the airport station at 12:31 PM. The return journey started at 1:57 PM, concluding at Noapara by 2:21 PM. The route will feature four stations—Noapara, Dum Dum Cantonment, Jessore Road, and Jai Hind Biman Bandar—incorporating both underground (1.8 km) and elevated viaduct (5.23 km) sections. The Noapara-Airport Metro is expected to significantly reduce travel time, providing a long-awaited direct rail link to the airport. Commuters currently relying on road transport will benefit from a more efficient and reliable alternative. Additionally, the inclusion of Dum Dum Cantonment and Jessore Road stations enhances connectivity for residents in the northern suburbs. The metro’s safe, air-conditioned environment and punctual service will further improve commuting experiences. Officials see this as a key milestone in Kolkata Metro’s expansion, with further trials and inspections planned before full operations commence. Once launched, the Noapara-Airport Metro will form a crucial part of the city’s transit network, improving connectivity and easing road congestion. Authorities remain optimistic that the service will be operational by mid-2025, offering commuters a faster, more convenient travel option. (Urban Acres)

Infrastructure Urban

26 Jul 2025

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..