61.51 Lakh Passengers: Kolkata Metro's Record Durga Puja Week
Kolkata, October 22: Passenger numbers on the Kolkata Metro reached an all-time high during the Durga Puja festival. Between Panchami and Dashami, 61.51 lakh people travelled by metro, and the period passed without any major untoward incident.
The metro's figures, released on October 22, show that extended operations were a key part of the strategy. Blue Line services (Garia-Dakshineswar) and Green Line services (Howrah Maidan-Salt Lake Sector-V) ran through the night on Saptami, Ashtami and Navami. Additional trains were run on other metro lines as well.
Shashthi emerged as the busiest day ever for the network. Metro officials confirmed that 12.01 lakh passengers travelled on that day alone, which is the highest one-day total in the Kolkata Metro's history.
When compared with the previous year, the difference is notable. In 2025, 46.56 lakh passengers used special metro services between Panchami and Dashami.
Station-wise, Dum Dum handled the largest crowd, with over 4.97 lakh passengers. Kalighat ranked next with more than 4.83 lakh passengers, and Sealdah recorded over 4.19 lakh passengers in the same period.
Authorities said the expanding metro network has encouraged both city residents and suburban commuters to choose the metro for visiting Durga Puja pandals. Dum Dum's high footfall was also linked to its function as a major connector between metro services and North Kolkata's suburban railway.
Officials described crowd control as the festival's toughest task. To meet it, a detailed plan was drawn up in advance, and the responsibilities of officers and staff were clearly defined. Several pre-puja meetings were held with different departments and station employees to build an effective action plan.
Crowded stations were staffed with a large number of officers and staff. Coordination with the Kolkata Police and the West Bengal Police was kept active throughout the festival.
Railway Protection Force and state police personnel were also stationed at stations to ensure passenger safety. Extensive CCTV surveillance helped monitor crowds and supported the positioning of security forces.
Medical booths with doctors and paramedical staff were set up at key stations to respond to any medical emergency.
To oversee arrangements, Kolkata Metro General Manager Prem Sagar Gupta and other senior officers visited multiple stations and travelled by train to review conditions.
Metro Railway also held Rail Jan Samvad programmes at various stations on October 22. Passengers gave feedback and suggestions on cleanliness, services and other facilities.
Senior officials assured commuters that all suggestions would be reviewed and that workable ones would be considered for implementation.