Trial runs on the Beleghata-Sector V stretch of Kolkata Metro’s Orange Line are scheduled to begin from October 10, 2026, according to officials of Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL), the implementing agency for the corridor.
The trial runs will cover the section between Beleghata (Metropolitan) and the IT Centre at Sector V. The trials are expected to continue for a month or longer as railway authorities undertake software alignment, system synchronisation and other safety and technical checks.
The move follows the completion of a critical 366-metre gap in the elevated corridor between Chingrighata crossing and Sukantanagar. RVNL recently bridged the missing section by launching girders, erecting the viaduct and laying the tracks.
A ‘push trolley’ inspection of the Beleghata (Metropolitan)-IT Centre section was also completed on September 17. The inspection allowed officials to examine the newly completed track infrastructure ahead of train trials.
The Orange Line is currently operational on a stretch of more than 9 km between Kavi Subhas and Beleghata. Once the Sector V extension is opened, the operational length will increase to more than 14 km.
Three stations will be added on the extension: Gour Kishore Ghosh, Nalban and Sector V. The Sector V station will also provide an interchange with the existing Green Line connecting Sector V with Howrah Maidan.
RVNL is targeting the start of passenger services on the extension around Christmas, subject to successful trials and the required clearances. The final opening will depend on the completion of testing and statutory safety approvals.
The extension to Sector V forms the third phase of the Orange Line. The full New Garia-Airport corridor is planned to cover more than 32 km.
The next phase is planned to extend the Orange Line from Sector V to City Centre II, with the current target for opening set for June 2027. The final phase from City Centre II to the airport is targeted for completion by the end of 2027.
The Orange Line is being developed as the New Garia-Kolkata Airport Metro corridor, connecting southern Kolkata with the airport through major residential, commercial and IT hubs including Sector V and New Town.