Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate three new metro lines in Kolkata on Friday, marking a major expansion of the city’s urban transport network. The move comes ahead of Durga Puja, with the enhanced connectivity expected to make travel during the festivities more convenient and stress-free.The new services aim to provide an affordable and efficient alternative to the city’s congested roads. Fares begin at Rs 5 and are capped at Rs 70, with a distance-based structure across corridors.On the East-West Metro (Green Line), linking Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V, journeys up to 2 km cost Rs 5, while the end-to-end fare is Rs 70. This line includes India’s first underwater metro tunnel and will cut travel time significantly. A trip from Howrah to Sector V, which earlier cost at least Rs 500 by cab, will now be available for Rs 70.The Yellow Line (Noapara–Jai Hind Bimanbandar) is the first phase of a direct metro link to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport. Covering 7 km, it connects the airport to Noapara, a major interchange on the Blue Line. Fares range from Rs 5 for the shortest ride (Airport to Jessore Road) to Rs 45 for longer journeys such as Airport to Kavi Subhash.The Orange Line (Hemanta Mukhopadhyay–Beleghata) extends 4.4 km from Ruby Crossing to Beleghata, connecting key areas including Science City and major hospitals. Integrated fares mean a passenger can travel from the Airport to Ruby for Rs 65 or to Howrah Maidan for Rs 50.This expansion represents a significant leap in Kolkata’s metro growth. Between 1984, when the country’s first metro opened in the city, and 2014, only 27.99 km of track had been built. Over the past decade, more than 45 km have been added, reflecting a 161 per cent rise in capacity.The improved network is expected to ease congestion, enhance economic opportunities, and make daily commutes more efficient for millions of residents.Rate ChartAirport to Jessore Road – Rs 5Airport to Noapara – Rs 20Airport to Chandni Chowk/Esplanade – Rs 40Airport to Kavi Subhash – Rs 45Airport to Howrah – Rs 50Airport to Ruby – Rs 65Airport to Sector V – Rs 70Image source:https://www.indiablooms.com/