The way to handle the massive crowds of passengers is to reduce frequency between two trains- this is the opinion of experts regarding Kolkata Metro's Blue Line. But currently, the Metro Rail authorities run one rake every six minutes during busy hours. It would be convenient if the six-minute gap could be reduced to two minutes. But to do that, it is essential to increase the number of rakes, as well as change the Blue Line's signal system to Communication-Based Telecommunication Control (CBTC) like the Green Line. The good news is that plans to change the signal system are already in the pipeline. Kolkata Metro's General Manager, Shubhranshu Mishra, said, “CBTC has received approval for Kolkata Metro's Blue Line. However, before implementing this system, massive infrastructure development of the Blue Line is needed. ₹465 crore has also been allocated for that work”.
ALSO READ | Even in absence, artist Pradeep Ghosh remains a legend today
However, Metro officials say it will take at least three to four years to implement CBTC on the Blue Line. For now, repair work at Kabi Subhash Metro Station is proceeding with wartime urgency.
It is expected that Kabi Subhash Metro Station will become suitable for passenger service again by the end of 2026, and then only the passengers' suffering will be reduced. Much before that, the crossover construction work at Shahid Khudiram Station will be completed. Metro officials claim that this will also reduce harassment for Blue Line passengers.
ALSO READ | 31st Kolkata International Film Festival to open on November 6 with Ajoy Kar’s Saptapadi
Along with implementing CBTC on the Blue Line, necessary changes will have to be made to the rakes as well. Among the rakes currently running on the Blue Line, this system can only be installed in rakes that were imported from China. This system will have to be separately installed in rakes from Chennai's Integral Coach Factory. The work is not easy. However, the good news is that Metro authorities have already started thinking about the matter and have allocated funds after calculating preliminary costs.
