Kolkata Metro Railway will commence services at 4 AM on June 21, marking the first time in its 42-year history that the system has operated at this early hour. This special timing has been implemented to facilitate travel for participants attending the International Day of Yoga celebrations at Red Road, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be leading a mass yoga performance on the occasion of International Yoga Day. The timings of the last Metro services from terminal stations will remain unchanged from the regular schedule, with services running at 14-15 minute intervals between 4 AM and 8 AM. The extended services also facilitate movement for NEET-UG examination candidates who will be appearing for their entrance examinations on the same day.
On the Blue Line connecting Dakshineswar and Shahid Khudiram, Metro Railway will operate 214 services (107 in each direction) against the usual 152 services on Sundays. As reported by Business Standard, trains will run at intervals of 14-15 minutes between 4 AM and 8 AM. This represents a significant increase in service frequency to handle the expected surge in passenger traffic during the morning peak period. Services from Dakshineswar to Shahid Khudiram, Mahanayak Uttam Kumar to Shahid Khudiram, Shahid Khudiram to Dakshineswar, Mahanayak Uttam Kumar to Dakshineswar, and Noapara to Dakshineswar will all start at 4 AM, facilitating movement from far-flung areas to Red Road. The enhanced services ensure smooth transportation for both yoga enthusiasts and NEET examination candidates.
Between Howrah Maidan and Salt Lake Sector-5 stations on the Green Line, 173 services (87 UP and 86 DN) will be operated compared with the normal 108 services on Sundays. According to Business Standard, trains will operate every 10-15 minutes between 4 AM and 9 AM. Services from Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector-V and Salt Lake Sector-V to Howrah Maidan will start at 4 AM. Passengers can deboard at the Esplanade station and walk to Red Road to attend the event that will also be addressed by the Prime Minister. The theme for this year's International Yoga Day is "Yoga for Healthy Ageing".
On the Yellow Line linking Noapara and Jai Hind Bimanbandar, Metro Railway will run 112 services (56 in each direction) instead of the usual 78 Sunday services. As reported by Business Standard, trains will run at intervals of 18-20 minutes between 4.18 AM and 9 AM. This represents a significant increase in service frequency to handle the expected surge in passenger traffic during the morning peak period. The enhanced services ensure smooth transportation for both yoga enthusiasts and NEET examination candidates.
Normal Sunday services will resume on the three corridors after the morning peak period, according to Business Standard reports. No services will be available on the Purple Line and Orange Line on Sunday, as these lines remain closed for the day. The special service arrangements demonstrate Metro Railway's commitment to ensuring adequate transportation infrastructure for major public events and educational examinations in Kolkata. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and all members of the state Cabinet will also attend the Red Road event, with considerable enthusiasm expected from Kolkata residents and participants from neighbouring districts.
