KOLKATA (Metro Rail News): General Manager of Metro Railway, Kolkata, Prem Sagar Gupta informed that ATO (Automatic Train Operations) system will be used for the train operation across the entire stretch of Orange Line once it extends till Sector V (IT Centre). After successful operation of driverless services across the Purple Line (Joka-Majerhat), similar services are expected to be introduced on the Green Line (Sector V to Howrah Maidan), with preparatory work reportedly completed.
Kolkata Metro’s Orange line is currently operational from Kavi Subhas till Beleghata and is likely to witness extension. With the expansion of the Orange Line Stretch till Sector V, there will be an addition of approximately 4.5 km to the entire length of route.
As mentioned by Times of India, it has been a month since the Purple Line began running with the ATO system and the Green Line is also set to begin operating with ATO-based services ‘any day’ as the formalities have been completed.
The Kolkata Metro officials acknowledged that they wish to open the Orange Line with updated services for the public as early as possible. But, safety clearances and certifications are awaited before passenger operations can begin. Once the final nod by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) is achieved, passengers can benefit from the services. As of now, trial runs are ongoing across the Beleghata-Sector V stretch.
Get the Daily Metro & Rail Brief
Join 125,000+ metro and rail professionals. Project updates, new tenders and contract awards from across India, in your inbox every day.
Kolkata Metro Orange Line equipped with ATO system
The benefits of the trains functioning with ATO system are:
- The frequency between the two consecutive trains can be reduced so that more trains can reach the tracks without having to wait for long.
- Reduced headway signifies that the commuting time will also be decreased, enabling passengers to reach their destinations with less hassle.
- The trains will not be completely driverless, there will be a driver present in the cabin to oversee the train operations and handle any fluctuations and obstructions, if that happens.
It is in discussions that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the updated stretch of Orange Line, from Belghata to Sector V, on November 21st. However, as noted by Times of India, metro authorities are not aware of this. Meanwhile Bengal BJP sources confirmed otherwise, that the PM will visit Kolkata and be present for the meteor line inauguration. CM Suvendu Adhikari also has cancelled his scheduled visit to Purulia that day, which further points strongly towards the flagging off services by PM.
Once the metro gates open for the commuters, traffic congestion is expected to ease along the EM Bypass and around Beleghata. The duration of train journeys may improve with more frequent train services and reduce waiting times. Also, at Sector V, there will be a direct option for interchange to Green Line.
Also Read: Kolkata Metro: 4.5 km Beleghata-IT Centre Corridor Eyes December Opening
Read nextKolkata Metro Orange Line clears 6 year Chingrighata delay17 Aug 2026