Long before Delhi’s metros stood up, Kolkata made history in October 1984 by launching India’s first operational metro system, running between Esplanade and Bhawanipore — a modest 3.4 km stretch that marked the dawn of domestic rapid transit. It laid the groundwork for a sprawling citywide network known today for its rich legacy and engineering marvels.

Decades later, Kolkata once again led the way by becoming the first city in India to introduce an underwater metro. In March 2024, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the East–West Metro Tunnel, connecting Howrah Maidan and Esplanade beneath the Hooghly River — India’s first under-river metro corridor.

Today, the Kolkata Metro operates five lines over approximately 73 km with 58 stations, blending underground, elevated, and at-grade routes . From pioneering operations in the 1980s to underwater engineering feats in the 2020s, Kolkata continues to shape India’s metro legacy.