Kolkata Metro runs overnight services on Blue, Green Lines for Durga Puja 2026
Synopsis
Kolkata Metro is pulling out all the stops for Durga Puja 2026 — running trains through the night on 17, 18, and 19 October on its Blue and Green Lines, with up to 284 services a day and six-minute peak intervals. It is one of the most expansive metro schedules the city has seen for the festival, covering five lines and stretching operations past 3 a.m.
Key Takeaways
Metro Railway, Kolkata will run night-long services on the Blue and Green Lines on 17, 18, and 19 October 2026 (Maha Saptami, Ashtami, Navami).
The Blue Line (Garia–Dakshineswar) will operate 248 services from 1 p.m. to 4 a.m. ; the Green Line (Howrah Maidan–Salt Lake Sector V) will run 192 services until 3.59 a.m.
On 15 and 16 October , Blue Line runs 284 services and Green Line runs 240 services , both from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Purple, Yellow, and Orange Lines will also have extended hours, though the Orange Line will be suspended for four days after Maha Sashti.
Passengers are advised to use smart cards or the AAMAR KOLKATA METRO app to avoid booking counter queues.
Metro Railway, Kolkata, has announced night-long train services on its Blue Line and Green Line during the peak days of Durga Puja 2026, while also extending operating hours on the Purple, Yellow, and Orange Lines — giving millions of puja revellers a reliable, crowd-free way to hop between pandals across the city.
Which Lines Run Overnight and When
Night-long services will be operated on Maha Saptami (17 October), Maha Ashtami (18 October), and Maha Navami (19 October) on the Blue and Green Lines. On Maha Panchami (15 October) and Maha Sashti (16 October), both lines will operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
On the three overnight days, the Blue Line (Garia to Dakshineswar) will run 248 services from 1 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following morning, with trains at six-minute intervals during peak rush hours. The Green Line (Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V) will operate 192 services, starting at 1.30 p.m. and concluding at 3.59 a.m.
Service Details for Maha Panchami and Maha Sashti
On 15 and 16 October, the Blue Line will run 284 services per day, with trains at six-minute intervals during peak hours. The Green Line will operate 240 services on those two days. According to a Metro Railway official, the frequency is designed to reduce crowding and cut commuting time between pandals.
The Yellow Line (Airport to Noapara) will run between 7.18 a.m. and 9.20 p.m. on Maha Panchami and Maha Sashti, and between 3 p.m. and 10.53 p.m. on the three peak nights. The Purple Line (Joka to Majerhat) will operate from 6.40 a.m. to 9.26 p.m. on the first two days, and from 3 p.m. to 10.55 p.m. on Maha Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami.
Orange Line and Weekend Shopping Services
The Orange Line (Garia to Beliaghata) will run from 7.40 a.m. to 8.45 p.m. on Maha Panchami and Maha Sashti, but will have no services on the following four days. Metro Railway has separately announced additional weekend services ahead of Durga Puja for shoppers. 'Shopping is an essential part of Durga Puja, and people do not get the opportunity to do so during weekdays. Hence, these additional services are being run during the weekends,' the official said.
Passenger Advisories
Metro Railway has urged commuters to purchase smart cards or book tickets via the AAMAR KOLKATA METRO app to avoid congestion at booking counters. The official also appealed for cooperation: 'As there will be a large number of services for commuters at six-minute intervals on the Blue and Green Lines during peak hours, commuters are requested not to overcrowd trains or try to block the doors. Please wait for the next train and co-operate with us so that services can be operated smoothly.'
With pandal-hopping drawing millions onto Kolkata's streets every Durga Puja, the expanded metro schedule is expected to ease pressure on road traffic and reduce journey times significantly across the festival period.
Point of View
Particularly crowd management at interchange stations like Esplanade and Park Street, will be the real test. Notably, the Orange Line's four-day suspension cuts connectivity for Garia-to-Beliaghata commuters at the busiest time of year — a gap the advisory on smart cards alone will not fill.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Kolkata Metro lines will run overnight during Durga Puja 2026?
The Blue Line (Garia to Dakshineswar) and the Green Line (Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V) will run overnight on Maha Saptami (17 October), Maha Ashtami (18 October), and Maha Navami (19 October). The Blue Line will operate until 4 a.m. and the Green Line until 3.59 a.m.
What are the Kolkata Metro timings for Maha Panchami and Maha Sashti?
On Maha Panchami (15 October) and Maha Sashti (16 October), the Blue and Green Lines will run from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Blue Line will run 284 services and the Green Line 240 services, with trains every six minutes during peak hours.
Will the Orange, Yellow, and Purple Metro Lines also run extended services?
Yes, but with limitations. The Yellow Line (Airport to Noapara) and Purple Line (Joka to Majerhat) will have extended hours on all five festival days. The Orange Line (Garia to Beliaghata) will only run on Maha Panchami and Maha Sashti, and will have no services on the following four days.
How can passengers avoid queues at Kolkata Metro booking counters during Durga Puja?
Metro Railway has advised commuters to purchase smart cards or book tickets through the AAMAR KOLKATA METRO app to skip long queues at booking counters during the high-footfall festival period.
Why is Kolkata Metro running overnight trains during Durga Puja?
The extended and overnight services are intended to help puja revellers visit pandals across the city more comfortably and reduce commuting time between venues. Durga Puja is Kolkata's largest festival, drawing millions of pandal visitors over several days.
