Kolkata Suburban Railway

Regional rail system in Kolkata, India

Kolkata Suburban Railway

Local train at B.B.D. Bag railway station heading towards Majerhat.

An Alstom propulsion fitted ER 3-phase EMU

Overview
Native name| কলকাতা শহরতলি রেল
Owner| Indian Railways
Area served|

* Kolkata Metropolitan Area
* North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Howrah district, Hooghly district, Nadia district, Murshidabad, Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Bardhaman

Locale| Kolkata Metropolitan Region, West Bengal,  India
Transit type| Suburban and Regional rail
Number of lines|

* 24
______
Eastern lines: 14
South Eastern lines: 4
Circular line: 1
South lines: 4
Chord link line: 1

Number of stations|

* Eastern line: 266
* South Eastern line: 87
* Circular line: 20
* South lines: 70
* Chord link line: 15
* -Total: 458

Daily ridership| 3.5 million (2017–18)
Annual ridership| 1.2 billion
Chief executive|

* Suneet Sharma GM (ER)
* Sanjay Mohanty GM (SER)

Headquarters|

* Howrah (For SER and ER)
* Sealdah (For ER)

Website| Indian Railways
Eastern Railway
South Eastern Railway
Operation
Began operation| 1854; 171 years ago (1854)
Operator(s)|

* Eastern Railways

1. Eastern line
2. Chord link line
3. Circular railway line
4. Sealdah South lines

* South Eastern Railways

1. South Eastern line

Rolling stock| ICF, Jessop , BHEL, MEDHA, BEML, Alstom
Number of vehicles| 200+
Train length| 9 or 12 coaches
Technical
System length| 1,501 km (933 mi)
Track gauge| 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) Broad-gauge
Electrification| 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead catenary
Average speed| 45 km/h (28 mph)
Top speed| 100 km/h (62 mph)
| Railway map of Kolkata

The Kolkata Suburban Railway (colloquially called Kolkata local trains or simply locals) is a suburban and regional rail system serving the Kolkata metropolitan area and its surroundings in West Bengal, India. Its network has 458 stations and a track length of 1,501 km (933 mi) making it the largest suburban railway network in the country, and also one of the largest in the world. There are five main lines and 19 branch lines. It operates more than 1,500 services, carrying 3.5 million people daily and 1.2 billion people annually. It runs from IST 03:00 am until 02:00 am approximately and fares range from Rs.5 to Rs.25. The system is electrified with 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead line and runs on 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad gauge track. It has interchange stations with the Kolkata Metro at various locations.

The Kolkata Suburban Railway is part of the second passenger railway constructed in British India during the mid 19th century. The first train ran between Howrah and Hooghly stations. A hundred years after the initial run, EMU services began.

The system is operated by two zones of Indian Railways; Eastern and South Eastern zones. These zones are further divided into railway divisions of Howrah and Sealdah in ER and Kharagpur in SER. Howrah, Sealdah and Kolkata railway station are the three major terminals serving the network in the city. Shalimar and Santragachi Junction are also two major termini stations for mail/express trains as well as passenger/fast passenger trains.

## History

[edit]

See also: East Indian Railway Company, Bengal Nagpur Railway, and Eastern Bengal Railway

The first train of the East Indian Railway, 1854

The Kolkata Suburban Railway is an offshoot of the second passenger railway to be built by the British in India.[1] The first train ran between Howrah and Hooghly stations on 15 August 1854 and was operated by the East Indian Railway (EIR). Regular services on the 38.6 km (24.0 mi) line were introduced on the same day, with stops at Bally, Serampore and Chandannagore stations.[2] The broad gauge Sheoraphuli–Tarakeswar branch line was opened by the Tarkessur Railway Company on 1 January 1885.

In 1951, all the railway companies, zone and divisions were integrated and recategorized. This led to the formation of the Eastern Railway (ER) and South Eastern Railway (SER) zones. These zones of Indian Railways currently operate the Kolkata Suburban Railway.[3]

### Eastern Railway zone

[edit]

Main article: Eastern Railway zone

The Eastern Railway zone was formed on 14 April, 1952, by the amalgamation of the East Indian Railway Company and the entire Bengal – Nagpur Railway (later it formed the SER). It has four divisions; Howrah and Sealdah divisions operate the system. The Sealdah division was part of the Eastern Bengal Railway before the recategorisation.[4][5] Howrah division is the oldest in the ER zone.[6]

On 1 February, 1957, the EMU services were introduced on the Howrah – Seoraphuli section of the Howrah division. Howrah–Sheoraphuli–Tarakeswar line was electrified in 1957–58. In 1963, services were gradually extended to Bandel and then Barddhaman and in 1964 on the Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway were introduced on the Sealdah – Ranaghat route.[7][8] In 1968, the Howrah – Barddhaman main and chord line was totally converted to 25 kV 50 Hz AC power supply from a 3000 V DC power supply, whereas the Sealdah – Ranaghat line was electrified as 25 kV 50 Hz AC from the beginning.[9][10]

### South Eastern Railway zone

[edit]

Main article: South Eastern Railway zone

The Bengal Nagpur Railway (BNR) Company was incorporated in 1887 to take over from the Nagpur Chhattisgarh Railway (NCR) and to convert the line to broad gauge. The work was completed in 1888. The extension of the main line from Nagpur to Asansol was completed by 1891. Later, it formed the Eastern Railway zone. On 1 August, 1955, the former Bengal Nagpur Railway portion was separated and a new zone, the South Eastern Railway (SER), came into existence.[11] The SER comprises four divisions, and Kharagpur is the only division to operate the suburban railway.[3]

In the SER zone, EMU service made its maiden run on 1 May, 1968 between Howrah – Mecheda of the Kharagpur division, and on 1 February, 1969, EMU services were extended to Kharagpur. Gradually the services were extended to eight other lines by 2003.[8][12] The system under this zone was completely electrified by 1968 as 25 kV 50 Hz AC from the beginning.[9][10]

## Network

[edit]

Main article: List of Kolkata Suburban Railway stations

Kolkata is the smallest of India's six A-1 cities in terms of area.[13] However, the Kolkata Suburban Railway is the largest suburban railway network in India by track length and number of stations.[14] The overall track length is 1,501 km (933 mi) and has 458 stations.[15] The system is operated by two zonal divisions (under Indian Railways), Eastern Railways (ER) and South Eastern Railways (SER). The fast commuter rail corridors on Eastern Railway as well as South Eastern Railway are shared with long-distance and freight trains, while inner suburban services operate on exclusive parallel tracks. SER operates the South Eastern Line and ER operates the Eastern Line, Circular Line, Chord link Line as well as the Sealdah South lines.[16][17][18][19][20][21]

Junction stations are marked in bold

Zone  | Major terminal  | Line  | First run  | Stations
(with interchange)  | Length  | Corridors  | Terminals

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

South Eastern Railway | Howrah | South Eastern line | 19 April 1900  | 87 (5)  | 341 km  | Main line | Howrah | Midnapore
West branch line | Shalimar | Amta
Southeast branch line  | Panskura | Haldia
South branch line  | Tamluk | Digha
Eastern Railway | Eastern line | 15 August 1854  | 266 (23)  | 906 km  | Main line | Howrah | Barddhaman
Chord line | Howrah | Barddhaman
West Elevated branch line | Seoraphuli | Tarakeswar
Far West Elevated branch line  | Tarakeswar | Bishnupur
North branch line  | Bandel | Katwa
North East branch line | Barddhaman | Katwa
Belur Math branch line  | Howrah | Belur Math
Sealdah | Main line | Sealdah | Gede
Northern branch line 1 | Ranaghat | Krishnanagar
Northern branch line 2 | Kalinarayanpur | Shantipur
Mid East branch line  | Ranaghat | Bangaon
Mid North East branch line | Dum Dum | Bangaon
East branch line | Barasat | Hasnabad
Hooghly branch line  | Naihati | Bandel
Kalyani branch line  | Kalyani | Kalyani Simanta
Far North branch line  | Krishnanagar | Lalgola
Sealdah South lines | 2 January 1862  | 70 (9)  | 190 km  | Main line  | Sealdah | Namkhana
Budge Budge branch line  | Ballygunge | Budge Budge
Canning branch line  | Sonarpur | Canning
Diamond Harbour branch line  | Baruipur | Diamond Harbour
Chord link line | 1865  | 15 (8)  | 22 km  | Main line  | Sealdah | Dankuni
Branch line  | Dankuni | Andul
Kolkata | Kolkata Circular Railway | 16 August 1984  | 20 (8)  | 42 km  | Circular Line  | Dum Dum | Majerhat
Total  | 458 (53)  | 1,501 km (933 mi)  |

## Lines

[edit]

### South Eastern line

[edit]

Main article: South Eastern line (Kolkata Suburban Railway)

EMU carshed at Tikiapara Kharagpur Junction railway station

The South Eastern line in Kolkata consists of three major corridors, which divide into two branches as they run into the suburban satellite towns. Two corridors—one local and the other through—follow the South Eastern Railway and run from Howrah Junction to Midnapore, a distance of 128 km (80 mi). The mainline bifurcates (splits) into two branch lines—the Panskura–Haldia line at Panskura Junction 69 km (43 mi) to the south-east—and the Santragachi–Amta line at Santragachi Junction 45 km (28 mi) to the north. These corridors constitute the 'main' South Eastern line. In this section, the Howrah – Santragachi section has quadruple line, where first track is mainly for up train shunting up-to Santragachhi along with some suburban trains, second track is for both up suburban and express trains, third track is mainly for down train shunting from Santragachhi along with some suburban and express trains, and the fourth and final track is for both down suburban and express trains. From Santragachhi to Kharagpur has triple line, where one track for up trains, another track for both up and down trains, and final track for down trains. All tracks are used by both suburban and express trains.The South Eastern line also includes two branch lines, 5 km (3.1 mi) and 94 km (58 mi), connecting Santragachi with Shalimar and Tamluk to Digha, respectively.[20] The Midnapore and Haldia branches are double line, whereas Amta and Digha branches are single line.

Bauria is the gateway of south Howrah

The South Eastern line has one interchange station with the Eastern Line at Howrah Junction. Rolling stock consists of a fleet of AC EMUs. The major car sheds on this line are at Kharagpur, Tikiapara, and Panskura.[22][23]

On 6 September 2009, then Railway Minister, Mamata Banerjee announced the introduction of Ladies Special local trains, namely Matribhumi (i.e. motherland), in the Kolkata suburban section. The first local Matribhumi Special local ran from Howrah to Kharagpur.[24][25]

### Eastern line

[edit]

Main article: Eastern line (Kolkata Suburban Railway)

A Howrah bound BEML made 3000 series EMU train with old cream and green livery Howrah railway station (Terminal 2) EMU carshed at Howrah (Bamangachhi) Baidyabati is the gateway of north Howrah

The Eastern line in Kolkata, the largest network of the Kolkata Suburban Railway, consists of two divisions—Howrah and Sealdah divisions (named after their respective terminals)—which serve both sides of the Hooghly River.

In the Howrah division of the Eastern line, there are five corridors, which also bifurcates and runs into the northwestern suburbs. The first two corridors are the 107 km (66 mi) Howrah–Bardhaman main line and the 94 km (58 mi) chord line. In this section, the Howrah – Bally section has quintuple line, where first and second tracks are for up and down trains for chord line, third track for up trains, fourth track for both up and down trains, and final track for down trains. From Bally to Shaktigarh has triple line, where one track for up trains, another track for both up and down train, and the third and final track for down trains. On Chord line, from Bally to Dankuni has triple line, where one track for up trains, another track for both up and down trains, and final track for down trains. From Dankuni to Shaktigarh has quadruple line up-to Chandanpur, and the rest of the portion is triple line where the fourth track is under construction. All tracks are used by both suburban and express trains. On these two corridors, the small Belur Math branch splits at Liluah, however unlike down trains, up trains of this branch does not touch Liluah station. On these two corridors, the Howrah–Tarakeswar branch line bifurcates at Seoraphuli Junction and terminates at Tarakeswar with a length of 39 km (24 mi) crossing over the chord line at Kamarkundu. Kamarkundu now this line has been extended to Bishnupur from Tarakeswar, under Tarakeswar - Bishnupur rail project. However through running from Tarakeshwar to Bishnupur is still not possible for a long gap between Goghat and Maynapur due to some land acquisition problem. After the gap, the line is running between Maynapur to Bishnupur, but due to not possibility of supplying Eastern Railway EMU rakes, that section is presently served by only one MEMU rake of South Eastern Railway. The Bandel–Katwa line bifurcates at Bandel Jn with a length of 105 km (65 mi); the Bardhaman–Katwa branch line, which was originally a narrow gauge line and later converted to broad gauge, bifurcates at Bardhaman Jn with a length of 53 km (33 mi).[19] The Bandel - Katwa and Tarakeshwar branches are double line, whereas Belur Math, Barddhaman - Katwa and Goghat (with the isolated Bishnupur) branches are single line.

In peak hours, suburban trains often use British era shaded platformed main building in Sealdah station, which was before used only by express trains. Sealdah railway station (main) Palta is the gateway of north Kolkata

On the other side of the river, the Sealdah division of the Eastern line has seven corridors, splitting into branch lines to serve the northeastern suburbs. The Sealdah–Gede line, considered to be mainline, terminates in Gede, a small town on the India–Bangladesh Border with a length of 116 km (72 mi). In this section, the Sealdah – Naihati section has quadruple line, where first and second tracks are exclusively for up and down suburban trains, whereas third and fourth tracks are for both up and down suburban and express trains. From Naihati to Kalyani has triple line, where first and second tracks are exclusively for up and down suburban trains, and final track is for both up and down suburban and express trains. Rest of this section is double line. On this corridor, the first branch line bifurcates from Dum Dum Junction terminating at Bangaon Junction with a length of 70 km (43 mi). The second branch line bifurcates at Ranaghat Junction terminating at Bangaon Junction with a length of 33 km (21 mi). The third branch line bifurcates at Ranaghat Junction terminating at Krishnanagar City Junction passing through Kalinarayanpur Junction and Shantipur with a length of 35 km (22 mi) or by bypassing Shantipur, passing only through Kalinarayanpur with a length of 26 km (16 mi). And also there is an extension of the third branch line which starts from Krishnanagar City Junction to Lalgola with a line length of 127 km (79 mi). The fourth branch line bifurcates at Kalyani Junction terminating at Kalyani Simanta with a line length of 5 km (3.1 mi). The fifth branch line bifurcates at Dumdum Junction and terminating at Bangaon Junction, another small town on the India–Bangladesh Border with a length of 69 km (73 mi). In this branch, another branch line splits from Barasat Junction terminating at Hasnabad with a line length of 53 km (33 mi). The Eastern line also includes a connection from Bandel Junction to Naihati Junction with a length of 8 km (5.0 mi) which is an important link between the Howrah and Sealdah divisions.[18]

The major car sheds (depots) on this line are at Bamangachhi (Howrah) and Bandel on the Howrah division and at Narkeldanga (Sealdah), Barasat and Ranaghat in the Sealdah division.[26]

The first Matribhumi local of Sealdah division started in October 2018; it was the first all-women passenger train in Indian Railway history. It had female motormen, guards, and security personnel.[27][28] On 24 August 2015, train services were halted between the Barasat and Bangaon line after a protest by a group of passengers obstructed movement of the trains. They demanded that male passengers be allowed to travel on the Matribhumi ladies special trains. This occurred when Eastern Railway withdrew the decision to allow male passengers to travel on Matribhumi local.[29]

### Circular Railway

[edit]

Binay Badal Dinesh Bag railway station An old cream and green coloured EMU train is passing Bagbazar railway station and Mayer Ghat on the banks of Hooghly river

Main article: Kolkata Circular Railway

The Circular Railway corridor almost encircles the inner city neighbourhoods of Kolkata. At a length of 42 km (26 mi) with 20 stations, this line is under the jurisdiction of Eastern Railway's Sealdah Division. The line is completely single-tracked, with an elevated section between Princepghat and Majherhat through Kolkata port area. It also passes through Kolkata Railway Station, the third terminal at Kolkata city. Running by the side of the Hooghly River from Bagbazar to Princepghat, it joins and runs parallel to the Sealdah South tracks after Majerhat and elevates at Park Circus in order to bypass Sealdah (which is a terminal station). After bypassing Sealdah, it rejoins the mainline at Bidhannagar Road and again terminating at Dum Dum Jn. The line is also known as Chakra Rail.[18]

The circular line is a point of interest for tourists. As it runs under Rabindra Setu, Vidyasagar Setu and runs parallel to the Hooghly River, connecting multiple tourist places and ghats it provides access to a scenic view for daily commuters and visitors.[30][31] Many trains form suburban towns enter this section, encircle the city and exit to suburban towns again, bypassing the saturated Sealdah Railway Station.

### Sealdah South lines

[edit]

Main article: Sealdah South lines

Ballygunge junction, where the Sealdah South lines diverge Baruipur is the gateway of south Kolkata

The Sealdah South line is an important link to Sundarbans in West Bengal from Kolkata. It is also part of the Eastern Railway. This south section is exclusively for suburban train, and no express trains run in this section. Except the Lakshmikantapur – Namkhana section, rest of the lines are completely double line. This line has four corridors, and bifurcates as branch lines linking the southern suburbs to Kolkata. The main line starts at Sealdah terminating at Namkhana railway station with a length of 110 km (68 mi). The main line is double-tracked until Lakshmikantapur railway station and single-tracked from Lakshmikantapur to Namkhana. The first branch line of this corridor starts at Ballygunge Junction terminating at Budge Budge railway station with a length of 19 km (12 mi). A second branch line starts at Sonarpur Junction terminating at Canning with a length of 29 km (18 mi). The third branch line starts at Baruipur Junction railway station terminating at Diamond Harbour railway station with the length of 35 km (22 mi). This line has a sole depot at Sonarpur.[18][26]

Kolkata metro orange line is crossing Sonarpur line near New Garia.

This line has three interchange stations, at Majerhat and Park Circus with Circular Railway and at Sealdah for Eastern line. Kolkata metro Blue Line and Orange Line meet with this line at New Garia station and smooth interchange facility available.

### Chord link line

[edit]

Main article: Chord link line (Kolkata Suburban Railway)

Vivekananda Setu over River Hooghly, Chord link line (Dankuni line)

The Chord link line connects Sealdah to Dankuni Junction on the Howrah–Barddhaman Chord. This line splits from the main line at Dumdum Junction. This is fully double line and used by both suburban and express trains. This line plays an important role in connecting the Sealdah Division's mainline with the Howrah–Bardhaman chord, which is primarily used by freight and passenger trains heading towards North India(The Howrah–Bardhaman chord is part of the Howrah–Delhi mainline and the Grand Chord). The Chord link crosses the Hooghly River on the Vivekananda Setu road-rail bridge.[18]

This corridor has a famous tourist spot, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple, where Ramakrishna Paramhansa served as a priest. It also includes the road-cum-rail bridge, Vivekananda Setu, also known as the Bally Bridge.[32][33]

A blue line metro, running parallel with Dankuni line, crossing Palta line near Baranagar

It has three interchange stations. Interchange is possible at Dum Dum Junction for the Eastern line (Sealdah–Gede mainline), at Dankuni Junction for the Eastern line (Howrah–Barddhaman Chord) and at Bally Halt (lying above Bally station) for the Eastern Line (Howrah–Barddhaman mainline).Kolkata metro Blue Line runs parallel to this line between Dumdum and Dakshineshwar, and has interchange facilities at Dum Dum, Baranagar and Dakshineswhar stations.[18][34]

## Expansion

[edit]

A new line is under construction between Amta and Bagnan with a length of 16 km (9.9 mi) under the jurisdiction of the South Eastern Railway sanctioned in 2010–11. Another line is in progress between Masalandpur and Swarupnagar of 12.30 km, contract work has been awarded to RITES for soil testing. Another new line is in progress between the Dakshinbari and Tarakeswar with joint work by the ER and SER.[35]

On the southern part of the Eastern Railways side, there is an expansion of the line between Canning and Jharkhali with a length of 42 km (26 mi). The second expansion is at Kakdwip railway station and Budhakhali with a length of 5 km (3.1 mi). It extends to Sagar Island on the Hooghly River delta.[36] The island can only be reached by boat; expansion of this line is a boon for the people of island providing better connectivity. The third expansion is at Namkhana and Bakkhali with a length of 31 km (19 mi), and a fourth expansion between Kulpi railway station and Bahrarat with a length of 38 km (24 mi).[37] However, due to land acquisition and political problems, although the projects are not officially dead, but progress is very very slow.

## Operations

[edit]

### Services and security

[edit]

Three types of local train services are operated. They are normal locals, trains which stop at every station; galloping locals, these trains have limited stops and skip the smaller stations;[38] and women-only trains known as Matribhoomi local.[27]

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) are responsible for the security of Kolkata Suburban Railway.[39] The major stations in Kolkata also have closed-circuit cameras.[40]

### Travel classes

[edit]

Vendor on train

There are three travel classes:

1. Class II: These are regular compartments, where anyone can travel. The last rows on both ends of the compartment are reserved for physically challenged and senior citizens.[41]
2. Class L: These compartments are exclusively reserved for women. Men are not allowed in them. The second compartment from both ends is for ladies.[12]
3. Vendor: These are for vendors to transport heavy goods and luggage. The compartments have seats along the walls and are made to haul goods. The third compartment from both ends is for vendors.[42]
4. Divyangjan: These compartments are the first compartments on both sides, where some seats are reserved for senior citizens, physically disabled people and the patients.
5. Unlike Hyderabad and Chennai suburban railway, Kolkata suburban railway has not Class I coaches, although these were in past but later removed.

### Ridership

[edit]

Like every other public transport in Kolkata, illicit third party advertisement posters are common on its rolling stock.

During 2010–11, there was an average of 1,275 trains per day. The average passenger capacity per rake was 6,207. In 2014–15, the average number of trains was 1,511 with an average passenger capacity per rake of 4,141. In the last five years, there was an increase of three percent in the average number of trains per day and reduction of eight percent in the average number of passengers per rake. The number of passengers carried in 2013–14 was 1,150,000,000 and in 2014–15 was 1,120,000,000—a reduction of three percent in total trips. The daily ridership as of 2017–18 is 3,500,000.[16][43][44]

### Fares and ticketing

[edit]

In the 2013 Railway Budget, the Railway Board increased the Kolkata suburban ticket fare by eight paise per kilometre, although the railway ministry has hiked it by two paise per kilometre. The number of slabs has also been reduced to four—₹5 (5.9¢ US), ₹10 (12¢ US), ₹15 (18¢ US) and ₹20 (24¢ US)—from the eight slabs earlier. Also, ticket denominations have been rounded off to multiples of ₹5 (5.9¢ US). As per the revised slab, a person travelling up to 20 km (12 mi) will have to pay ₹5 (5.9¢ US), between 21 km (13 mi) and 45 km (28 mi) ₹10 (12¢ US), between 46 km (29 mi) and 70 km (43 mi) ₹15 (18¢ US), and between 71 km (44 mi) and 100 km (62 mi) ₹20 (24¢ US). One can buy a monthly, quarterly or season ticket if commuting regularly on a particular route. This allows unlimited rides on that route. Season tickets are the most cost-effective and time-efficient option for regular commuters.[41][45]

Typical computerised Kolkata suburban train counter bought ticket with dot matrix printing

Kolkata Suburban Railway uses a proof-of-payment fare collection system. Tickets can be bought for a single journey (one way) or a return journey. Travelling without a valid ticket is an offence and if caught can result in a penalty. As per the Indian Railway Report, in 2016–17, the Eastern Railway and the South Eastern Railway generated ₹539.8 million (US$6.4 million) through penalties imposed on ticketless and irregular travelers, an increase from 2013 to 2014 with ₹112 million (US$1.3 million).[46]

Offline tickets can be bought from the unreserved ticket counters present at every station and Cash/Smart Card operated Ticket Vending Machines (CoTVM) and Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVM) installed in most of the stations.[47] One can issue online tickets using the UTSOnMobile app.[48][49]

Earlier there were also Cash operated Ticket Vending Machines (CoTVM) which also could operate by smart cards, but due to frequent malfunction it has later withdrawn from service.

### Non-suburban routes

[edit]

Until recent political disturbance, Maitri Express served Kolkata and Dhaka

Some routes do not have any regular EMU services and therefore bypass the Kolkata Suburban Railway Network. To connect people on these routes, passenger trains run to help transport people from small towns and villages to the Kolkata Metropolitan Area and vice versa. There are two routes that bypass the Kolkata Suburban Railway and are not connected to any other network. The first route is from Tamluk to Digha, which is under the jurisdiction of South Eastern Railway with a length of 94 km (58 mi). The second route is from Krishnanagar City Junction to Lalgola, which is under the jurisdiction of Eastern Railway with a length of 128 km (80 mi).[50][51]

## Infrastructure

[edit]

### Rolling stock

[edit]

The Electric Multiple Units (EMUs) for the Kolkata suburban services were built domestically at the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Perambur; the first EMU rolled out in September 1962.[9][26]

Left - 2nd generation EMU train with large single front glass. Right - 4th generation (latest) EMU train with medium twin front glasses with inbuilt electronic destination board.

The Howrah division of Eastern Railways has a rolling stock of 12-coach EMUs made by Jessop, ICF and Titagarh Wagons. BEML EMU's have been purchased and are in use. A few Unique BEML stainless steel EMUs are also in service.[52] A small fleet of 12-coach Siemens EMUs are also in service. MEMU Rakes from the Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala (RCF) and Diesel multiple units (DEMUs)) from the ICF are in service. Howrah division has 61 12-car rakes.

Classic 1st generation EMU train with twin small front glasses and sun guards Left - 3rd generation EMU train with large twin front glasses and curved face. Right - 2nd generation EMU train with large single fron glass

The Sealdah division has rolling stock including nine and 12-coach EMUs, also made by Jessop, ICF and Titagarh Wagons. A small fleet of Siemens 12-coach EMUs is also in service. BEML EMU's have been purchased and are in use and a small number of unique BEML stainless steel EMUs are also in service.[52] DEMU trains made by ICF and MEMU from Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala (RCF) are in service. The number of 12-car EMU rakes in Sealdah division is 125.[53][54][55][56] There are 2 Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) rakes also.[57][26]

The South Eastern Railways uses 12-coach EMUs made by Jessop, Siemens, Titagarh Wagons and ICF. BEML EMUs have been purchased and are in use.[55] A few unique BEML stainless steel EMUs are also in service. SER was the first Division in West Bengal to use the ICF Medha 3-phase rakes.[54] DEMU rakes from ICF and MEMU from RCF are in service. In February 2018, SER launched Medha ICF Rakes on the Howrah–Kharagpur route and on 15 April 2018, Eastern Railway also started using them on the Howrah–Bandel Route.[53][58][56] SER has 30 12-car EMU rakes.[12][59]

3-phase Alstom EMU in a carshed of Kolkata

Every division of the Kolkata Suburban Railway are rapidly replacing their old Jessop and ICF EMUs with the latest Medha 3-phase EMU rakes made by ICF with Bombardier Transportation (now Alstom). Almost all the EMU Units used by the Kolkata Suburban Railway are equipped with a GPS-based passenger information system. Some EMUs, which were previously in service with the Western Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway, were later shifted to Kolkata for service.[60][61][58]

On June 18, 2025 Eastern Railway's first Air-conditioned EMU arrived in Ranaghat carshed scheduled to run on Sealdah-Ranaghat Line.[62]

Eastern Railway AC Local Number of rakes in ER[26][57] | Division  | EMU | MEMU

|
|

9-car  | 12-car
Howrah  |  –  | 61  |  –
Sealdah  |  –  | 125  | 2
(As of 2024[update])
Number of rakes in SER[12][59] | Division  | EMU | MEMU

|
|

9-car  | 12-car
Kharagpur  |  –  | 30  |  –
(As of 2019[update])

### Electrification and gauge

[edit]

Electrification and overhead catenary in Titagarh railway station

The Howrah to Bardhaman section of Eastern Railway, got equipped with 3000 V DC electrification by 1958. Following the research and trials by SNCF in Europe, Indian Railways decided to adopt 25 kV AC system as a standard in 1957, as it was found more economical, and by 1968 the mainlines of both zones were electrified with 25 kV AC traction.[63] Branch lines and other lines were gradually electrified later.[9] On 5 January 2015, the Kalinarayanpur to Krishnagar City Junction route via Shantipur was totally converted into electrified broad gauge from narrow gauge with three phases, Phase-I was from Krishnanagar City Junction to Shantipur Junction which was commissioned on 7 February 2012; Phase II was from Shantipur Junction to Phulia which was commissioned on 30 January 2014; and the last, Phase III, for Phulia to Kalinarayanpur was commissioned and later EMU services begun.[64] On 12 January 2018, the Barddhaman to Katwa line was totally converted to electrified broad gauge from narrow gauge with two phases—Phase-I Barddhaman to Balgona and Phase-II Balgona To Katwa began to be converted beginning on 30 May 2012.[65][66][67] Currently, the network has a 25 kV overhead catenary electrification system, with 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) Indian broad gauge tracks.[68]

### Signalling and telecommunication

[edit]

Signalling at Ranaghat Junction railway station

An Electronic Interlocking signalling system is most widely used, replacing the old lever frames/panel interlockings system. To increase sectional capacity and efficiency, automatic signalling is being used. This is controlled by AC/DC track circuits, axle counters etc. The axle counter system is used to detect the presence of a train in an absolute block section, point zone area of a station and level crossings.[40][69]

An optical fibre communication system is the backbone of the telecommunications network. The telecommunications facility is an omnibus circuit between stations and the central control hub at Sealdah and Howrah. For ground based mobile communication, Mobile Train Radio Communication (MTRC) is used.[40][70]

## Incidents

[edit]

In the early 1980s, down Kalyani Simanta local overshot the down starter signal at Kalyani rail station and rammed into up Krishnagar City local which was coming into pf. 1 from the opposite direction. Eye-witnesses say the 'head' of the down local hit the 'belly' of the up local. Several coaches derailed, and passengers sustained injuries as both trains were going slow (10kmph). Services on the mainline were suspended for a few days and the derailed rakes kept laying in Kalyani outers for several months.

Two local trains (Sealdah–Shantipur EMU local and Shantipur–Sealdah EMU local) collided on the same track at Phulia railway station on 7 January 2012. One person was killed and several were injured. Three coaches of both trains derailed.[71]

On 12 December 2013, an accident was averted as two trains arrived on the same line at Sealdah Station. The driver of the Sealdah–Lalgola passenger train which left from platform seven had overshot the starter signal and entered the down main line but stopped upon noticing the Bangaon–Sealdah local, which was coming from the opposite direction. This was reported to the control room and the passenger train was hauled back to platform seven of Sealdah Station.[72]

Fourteen passengers were injured when an explosion took place inside a compartment of the Sealdah–Krishnanagar local train early on the morning of 12 May 2015. The blast took place just after a person boarded the train at Titagarh station, which is 21 km (13 mi) from Sealdah. Train services along the Sealdah Section were normal. However, two trains were cancelled as train movement was affected following the incident.[73]

On 17 November 2015, a 40-year-old man, who had boarded the Howrah–Bandel Matribhumi special local for women only, fell off the train and died between Uttarpara and Hind Motor stations. This incident occurred when the man boarded the train. Some female commuters surrounded and abused him. He was eventually forced to get off the train. When the man realized a station was approaching, he ran to grab the handle but missed it and fell from the train to his death.[74]

On 19 July 2017, a train from Sonarpur Jn to Sealdah (South) Station broke the buffer and hit the wall of platform number 13 in Sealdah (South) Station. This incident happened in the morning around 10:25 am (IST).[75]

On 4 September 2018, Majerhat Bridge which was 40 years old, collapsed on the rail line between Majerhat and New Alipore at around 4:45 pm (IST), which results in the death of 3 people while injuring at least 25 others. After the collapse, Eastern Railways suspended train services via Majerhat railway station on the Kolkata Circular Railway and Sealdah-Budge Budge lines temporarily.[76]

On 28 September 2018, one woman was killed while another woman sustained serious injuries after a slab of a foot over-bridge (FOB) at Baruipur railway station in South 24 Parganas fell on them from a height of 30 ft (9.1 m). This incident happened at night. According to locals and daily passengers, the foot over-bridge was in bad condition due to lack of maintenance.[77]

There was a stampede on a foot over-bridge at Santragachi railway station in West Bengal on 23 October 2018. Two people died and twelve others were injured, including two children and two women. This incident occurred because of the arrival of two trains at the same time. People rushed to board the trains and that created a stampede-like situation on the bridge.[78]

On 2 October 2019, A local train coming from Masagram was derailed, when it was entering on Platform no.6 of Howrah railway station. No casualties were reported. This incident happened around 8:10 pm (IST).[79]

On 15 March 2020, a massive fire broke out in the Salimpur slum area which lies near the Dhakuria railway station track at around 8:30 am. No casualties were reported. After this incident, Sealdah South lines were suspended temporarily.[80]

## See also

[edit]

* Eastern Bengal Railway
* Bengal Nagpur Railway
* Trams in Kolkata
* Transport in Kolkata
* Mumbai Suburban Railway
* Delhi Suburban Railway
* Chennai Suburban Railway
* Bengaluru Commuter Rail
* Hyderabad Multi-Modal Transport System
* List of suburban and commuter rail systems

Portals:

* Trains
* Transport
* Engineering
* India

## References

[edit]

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2. ^ "Historical perspective – the first journey". er.indianrailways.gov.in. 5 May 2012. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
3. ^ a b "BNR history" (PDF). ser.indianrailways.gov.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 May 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
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6. ^ "Welcome to Howrah Division". er.indianrailways.gov.in. 18 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
7. ^ Multiple Units (EMU/DMU) and other self-propelled vehicles, irfca.org,28 November 2018
8. ^ a b History of EMU on Eastern Railway and South Eastern Railway, South Eastern Railway, 27 November 2018
9. ^ a b c d History of Electrification, core.indianrailways.gov.in, 29 November 2018
10. ^ a b "Important Landmarks of Indian Railways Electrification". core.indianrailways.gov.in. 12 May 2020. Archived from the original on 18 June 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
11. ^ Rao, M.A. (1988). Indian Railways, New Delhi: National Book Trust, p. 28
12. ^ a b c d "SER observes golden jubilee celebrations for successful completion of 50 years of EMU services". ser.indianrailways.gov.in. 2 May 2018. Archived from the original on 25 February 2019. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
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14. ^ Kulkarni, Sonal (11 December 2018). "Suburban rail systems in India: Can Bengaluru take a leaf from their books?". Citizen Matters. Retrieved 21 September 2020.
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17. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Route Map – Suburban Sections (1)". www.irfca.org. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
18. ^ a b c d e f "The system map of Sealdah Division of Eastern Railway". er.indianrailways.gov.in. 18 July 2019. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
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21. ^ "Kolkata Local Train Map". erail.in. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
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23. ^ "Execution of work for extension of EMU car shed ~ at Panskura & development of infrastructure for maintenance of 3 phase emu rakes at Tikiapara emu car shed and up-gradation of sick line at Haldia". www.tendertiger.co.in. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
24. ^ "Mamata language gift at iftar". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
25. ^ "Aboard Matribhoomi Local, 'Manned' Entirely by Women". The Wire. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
26. ^ a b c d e "TRS Overview". er.indianrailways.gov.in. 2 July 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
27. ^ a b Gupta, Jayanta (6 October 2018). "First all-women train chugs out of Sealdah | Kolkata News – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
28. ^ Sen, Priyadarshini (19 November 2018). "How women who 'man' Kolkata's Matribhoomi local train defy patriarchy". Business Standard India. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
29. ^ "Train Service in Barasat-Bangaon Section Hit After Protest". NDTV.com. 24 August 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
30. ^ "Running Across The 'City Of Joy', Chakra Rail Is A Joyride For Daily Commuters & Visitors". indiatimes.com. 30 December 2016. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
31. ^ Tanya. "Have You Been On Kolkata's Circular Railway Yet? | LBB". LBB, Kolkata. Retrieved 27 June 2020.
32. ^ "Roadmap". www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
33. ^ "Bally Bridge". expedia.co.in. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
34. ^ "Mamata lays foundation for Dum Dum-Dakshineswar Metro – Indian Express". archive.indianexpress.com. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
35. ^ "Upcoming projects in South Eastern Railway as per CAO (Con)'s MCDO". ser.indianrailways.gov.in. 20 July 2011. Archived from the original on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
36. ^ Gupta, Jayanta (23 June 2011). "Land reclaim for Sagar port soon". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
37. ^ New Projects,  Eastern Railway, 29 November 2018
38. ^ "[IRFCA] Indian Railways FAQ: Railway Operations – I". www.irfca.org. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
39. ^ "Railway Protection Force". ser.indianrailways.gov.in. 24 June 2014. Archived from the original on 24 November 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
40. ^ a b c "Role of Signal and Telecommunication Department". er.indianrailways.gov.in. 5 May 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
41. ^ a b Explanatory Note and Faretable, indianrailways.gov.in, 1 January 2013
42. ^ "Utilisation of suburban railways" (PDF). indianrailways.gov.in. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
43. ^ CAG report on Suburban Rail Performance,cag.gov.in, 30 November 2018
44. ^ "Budget bypasses Kolkata suburban rail network | Kolkata News – Times of India". The Times of India. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
45. ^ "Suburban Fare Chart -Indian Railways". erail.in. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
46. ^ Report of Indian Railway, Indian Railways, 6 April 2017
47. ^ "Citizen's charter for passenger services". South Eastern Railway. 6 April 2018. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
48. ^ "UTS mobile ticketing". utsonmobile. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
49. ^ "Indian Railways Launches 'utsonmobile' App for Paperless Unreserved Ticket Booking". The Better India. 11 February 2016. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
50. ^ "M/SER releases new public time table October – 2015 issue". ser.indianrailways.gov.in. 29 September 2015. Archived from the original on 15 December 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
51. ^ "New time table for eastern zone published". er.indianrailways.gov.in. 29 September 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
52. ^ a b "Rail & Metro Product Brochure BEML" (PDF). bemlindia.in. October 2019. Retrieved 8 July 2020.
53. ^ a b Jayanta (19 January 2017). "A touch of Mumbai on Bengal's local trains". The Times of India. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
54. ^ a b "Mumbai-like EMU rake chugs out of Howrah station | Kolkata News – Times of India". The Times of India. 16 April 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
55. ^ a b "Jessop & Co Ltd". www.jessop.co.in. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
56. ^ a b "Railways to replace all general class passenger trains with self-propelled carriages to raise speed". The Financial Express. 9 June 2017. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
57. ^ a b "Electrical Assets" (PDF). Eastern Railway. 1 November 2019. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
58. ^ a b "SER to run GPS based 3-Phase Indigenous EMU Train with CCTV in Ladies' Compartment in Suburban Section – RailNews Media India Ltd". Retrieved 5 July 2020.
59. ^ a b MP, Team (1 January 2019). "SER starts 12 rake service in all EMU trains". www.millenniumpost.in. Retrieved 19 June 2020.
60. ^ "Death of a superstar". mid-day. 5 January 2020. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
61. ^ "Local train with inbuilt GPS system flagged off from Howrah station". The Statesman. 23 March 2018. Retrieved 5 July 2020.
62. ^ Eastern, Railway. "Press Release: SEALDAH DIVISION TO RUN AC EMU SOON". Eastern Railway. Retrieved 23 June 2025.[dead link]
63. ^ Gupta, Jayanta (18 December 2018). "South Eastern Railway celebrates 60 years of 25 kV AC traction in India | Kolkata News – Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
64. ^ "Project Summary". www.cspm.gov.in. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
65. ^ "Railway Budget 2013: Full text". zeenews.india.com. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
66. ^ "Mamata rolls out rly sops for Nadia". The Times of India. 24 August 2018. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
67. ^ "Outcome Performance Budget 2016–17" (PDF). indianrailways.gov.in. February 2016. Retrieved 3 September 2020.
68. ^ Acharya, Ram Chandra. "Indian Railways – Where commuter is the king!" (PDF). ejrcf.or.jp. Retrieved 6 September 2020.
69. ^ "Vision Statement of S&T". ser.indianrailways.gov.in. 30 October 2019. Archived from the original on 14 April 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
70. ^ "Telecom Assets (as on April'2020)" (PDF). er.indianrailways. April 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
71. ^ "One dead, six injured in train collision". NDTV.com. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
72. ^ "Accident averted as trains come on same line in Sealdah". India Today. 12 December 2013. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
73. ^ Ghosh, Dwaipayan; Chakraborty, Sanjib (13 May 2015). "Kolkata: Blast in local train, 18 injured". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
74. ^ "Kolkata: Man pushed to death from woman special train". The Times Of India. 18 November 2015. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
75. ^ "Two rail officials suspended after local train mishap at Sealdah station". The Indian Express. 19 July 2017. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
76. ^ PTI, PTI (4 September 2018). "Bridge in busy Kolkata locality collapses, one killed – Times of India". The Times of India. PTI. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
77. ^ "Slab falls off railway station FOB, kills Puja shopper". The Times of India. 29 September 2018. Retrieved 22 June 2020.
78. ^ Oct 24 (24 October 2018). "Kolkata bridge stampede: 2 dead, 14 injured in stampede at Santragachi railway bridge in Kolkata". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 June 2020.`{{cite web}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
79. ^ Coach of Local Train Derails at Howrah Station, The New Indian Express, Retrieved 03 October 2020
80. ^ Kolkata Massive Fire Breaks Out, India TV, Retrieved 03 October 2020

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kolkata Suburban Railway.

* South Eastern Railway
* Eastern Railway
* Kolkata Suburban Railway timetable

Articles and topics related to Kolkata Suburban Railway

* v
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Indian Railways

Authority|

* Ministry of Railways
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Related
organisations|

* Central Organisation for Modernisation of Workshops (COFMOW)
* Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE)
* Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS)
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Rolling stock|

| Coaching Stock|

* ICF coach
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|

Trainsets|

* Amrit Bharat
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Manufacturing
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Railway
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| Diesel Loco|

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|

Electric Loco|

* Ajni
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* Bilaspur
* Bokaro Steel City
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Steam Loco|

* Coonoor
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Multiple Unit|

| DEMU/DMU|

* Bangalore
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* Motibagh
* Maula Ali
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* Vijayawada

|

EMU|

* Avadi
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* Howrah
* Kalwa
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* Kurla
* Maula Ali
* Mumbai Central
* Narkeldanga
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* Sanpada
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* Tambaram
* Tikiapara
* Velachery
* Virar

MEMU|

* Asansol
* Bhilai
* Kanpur
* Kollam
* Palakkad
* Rajahmundry
* Vadodara

Kolkata Metro|

* Noapara
* Tollygunge
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* Central Park
* Joka

Lines|

| Main|

* Chennai–Bangalore
* Howrah–Prayagraj–Mumbai
* Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai
* Howrah–Chennai
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* Mumbai–Chennai
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|

High-speed|

* Mumbai–Ahmedabad (Under construction)

Suburban|

* Chennai MRTS
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Mountain|

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Passenger
trains|

| Semi-High speed|

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|

Premium|

* AC Express
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Express|

* Antyodaya Express
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Luxury|

* Deccan Odyssey
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Special|

* Lifeline Express
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Others|

* Passenger trains
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Stations|

| Major|

| Chennai|

* Chennai Central
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|

Delhi|

* Delhi Jn.
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Kolkata|

* Howrah
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Mumbai|

* Dadar
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* Mumbai Central
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* Panvel
* Thane

Others|

* Ahmedabad Jn.
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* KSR Bengaluru
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Others|

* Junctions
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Training
institutes|

* Indian Railways Institute of Civil Engineering (IRICEN)
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* Jagjivan Ram Railway Protection Force Academy (JRRPFA)

Trade unions|

* All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF)
* All India Station Masters' Association (AISMA)
* Konkan Railway Corporation Employees Union (KRCEU)

Related articles|

* Accidents
* Anti-collision device
* Kavach
* Future
* Diamond Quadrilateral
* History of Rail Transport
* Last vehicle board
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* Train Warning System
* Urban Rail Transit

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Public transportation in West Bengal

Kolkata Metro lines|

* Fully operational
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* Green Line
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* Orange Line
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* Yellow Line
* Approved
* Pink Line

Tram|

* Operational
* Trams in Kolkata

Commuter/intercity|

* Indian Railways
* Kolkata Suburban Railway
* South Eastern line
* Eastern line
* Sealdah South line
* Chord link line
* Circular line
* Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

Urban bus|

* Operational
* West Bengal Transport Corporation (Govt.)
* Joint Council of Bus Syndicate (Pvt.)
* Minibus Owners' Association (Pvt.)
* Defunct
* Calcutta State Transport Corporation
* Calcutta Tramways Company

State bus|

* North Bengal State Transport Corporation
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Major terminals|

* Airports
* Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
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Misc. transport|

* Water ferry/roro
* West Bengal Transport Corporation#Ferry services
* Pathadisha app
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* Cab
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* India: Greater Delhi
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* Kerala
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* v
* t
* e

Kolkata topics

History|

* Bengali Renaissance
* Black Hole of Calcutta
* Bhurshut
* Calcutta flag
* Dihi Panchannagram
* Direct Action Day
* Dutch Bengal
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* Nabakrishna Deb
* Rabindranath Tagore

Localities|

* Kolkata metropolitan area
* Neighbourhoods
* list
* Streets (list)

Buildings|

* Belvedere Estate
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* Victoria Memorial
* St. Paul's Cathedral
* Metcalfe Hall
* Writers' Building
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* Grand Hotel
* Shobhabazar Rajbari
* Esplanade Mansions

High
rises|

Chatterjee International Center
South City
Tata Centre
Industry House
Everest House
Jeevan Sudha
Government of India Building
Hiland Park
The 42
Urbana
Uniworld City

Education|

| Secondary|

* Armenian College and Philanthropic Academy
* B. T. Road Government Sponsored H. S. School
* Calcutta Boys' School
* Calcutta Girls' High School
* Don Bosco School, Park Circus
* Hare School
* Hindu School, Kolkata
* Kendriya Vidyalaya
* La Martiniere Calcutta
* Loreto Schools
* Baranagore Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama High School
* Ramakrishna, Narendrapur
* Scottish Church Collegiate School
* South Point School
* St. Xavier's Collegiate School
* St. James' School (Kolkata)

|

Higher|

* Aliah University
* Asiatic Society
* Asutosh College
* Marine Engineering and Research Institute
* Bethune College
* Government College of Engineering and Ceramic Technology
* Government College of Art & Craft
* Medical College and Hospital
* Calcutta National Medical College
* Indian Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, Shibpur
* IIM
* IISER
* Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management
* Indian Statistical Institute
* Jadavpur University
* Maulana Azad College
* Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies
* Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology
* Netaji Subhas Open University
* National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections
* Presidency University
* Rabindra Bharati University
* Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics
* School of Tropical Medicine
* Scottish Church College
* St. Xavier's College
* University of Calcutta
* West Bengal University of Health Sciences
* West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences
* Calcutta School of Music
* Narula Institute of Technology
* Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute
* Vivek Tirtha

Industry and
economy|

* ABP Group
* Allahabad Bank
* AMRI Hospitals
* Andrew Yule and Company
* Baidyanath Group
* Balmer Lawrie
* Batanagar
* Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals
* Berger Paints
* Bharat Bhari Udyog Nigam
* Biecco Lawrie
* Birds Jute and Export
* Birla Corporation
* Braithwaite & Co.
* Braithwaite, Burn & Jessop Construction Company
* Bridge and Roof Company
* Britannia Industries
* Burn & Company
* Burnpur
* Burn Standard Company
* Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC)
* Calcutta Stock Exchange
* Chandras' Chemical Factory
* Coal India
* Damodar Valley Corporation
* Emami
* Exide Industries
* Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers
* GKB Opticals
* Hawkers
* Hind Motor
* Hindustan Ambassador
* IISCO Steel Plant
* India Government Mint, Kolkata
* ITC Limited
* Jai Balaji group
* Jessop & Company
* Kolkata Port Trust
* Lexulous
* Limtex
* Lux Industries
* National Insurance Company
* Peerless Group
* Saregama
* Sinclairs Hotels Limited
* Tata Global Beverages
* The Park Hotels
* UCO Bank
* United Bank of India

Transportation|

| Road|

* Calcutta Tramways Company
* Calcutta State Transport Corporation
* Kalyani Expressway
* Kolkata Bus Rapid Transit System
* West Bengal Transport Corporation
* South Bengal State Transport Corporation
* Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu)
* Belghoria Expressway
* Vidyasagar Setu
* Vivekananda Setu
* Nivedita Setu
* Golden Quadrilateral
* Rickshaw
* Hand-pulled rickshaw

|

Rail|

* Kolkata Metro
* Kolkata Suburban Railway
* Eastern Railway
* South Eastern Railway
* Trams in Kolkata
* Kolkata LRTS
* Howrah railway station
* Kolkata railway station
* Sealdah railway station
* Shalimar railway station
* Kolkata Monorail

Sea|

* Port of Kolkata

Air|

* Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport
* List of airports

Culture|

* Kolkata Book Fair
* Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk
* Calcutta Youth Choir
* Coffee House
* Dwarkin
* Festivals
* Kolkata International Film Festival
* Dover Lane Music Conference
* Kolkata in the media
* Music of Bengal
* Nandan
* Priya
* Rabindra Nritya Natya
* Rabindra Sangeet
* Ritwik Ghatak
* Satyajit Ray
* Feluda
* Byomkesh Bakshi
* Ghanada
* Prostitution in Kolkata
* Tenida
* Tollywood
* Ghosts in Bengali culture
* Adda
* Rabindra Tirtha
* Nazrul Tirtha
* Mishti Hub
* Football
* Kolkata derby
* Group theatre of Kolkata

| Ethnic enclaves|

* Bow Barracks (Anglo-Indian)
* Chinatown, Kolkata (Chinese)
* Tangra, Kolkata (Chinese)
* Zakaria Street (Bihari Muslim)
* Armani-para (Armenian)

|

Places of
worship|

| Hindu|

* Belur Math
* Birla Mandir, Kolkata
* Dakshineswar Kali Temple
* Kalighat
* Kripamayee Kali Temple
* Baranagar Math
* Alambazar Math

|

Christian|

* St. Paul's Cathedral
* Holy Rosary Cathedral (Portuguese Church)
* St. John's Church
* Parasnath Temple

Others|

* Nakhoda Mosque
* Tipu Sultan Mosque
* Chinese temples in Kolkata
* Magen David Synagogue

Sports|

* ATK
* Barasat Stadium
* B.C. Roy Trophy
* Beighton Cup
* Bengal cricket team
* Bhawanipore FC
* Calcutta Cricket and Football Club
* Calcutta Polo Club
* Calcutta South Club
* Bengal Tigers
* Calcutta Cricket and Football Club
* Calcutta Football League
* Dalhousie AC
* East Bengal FC
* East Bengal Ground
* Eastern Railway FC
* Eden Gardens
* Indian Football Association
* IFA Shield
* Kalighat Milan Sangha FC
* Kishore Bharati Krirangan
* Kolkata derby
* Kolkata Knight Riders
* Kolkata Police Friendship Cup Football Tournament
* Kolkata Vipers
* Mohammedan Sporting Club
* Mohammedan Sporting Ground
* Mohun Bagan Super Giant
* Mohun Bagan Ground
* Netaji Indoor Stadium
* Indian Arrows
* United SC
* Rabindra Sarobar Stadium
* Salt Lake Stadium
* Sunfeast Open
* Southern Samity
* Subroto Cup
* Aryan FC
* Tollygunge Agragami FC
* West Bengal football team

Other topics|

* Adwaita
* Zoological Garden, Alipore
* Bengal Club
* Calcutta Club
* Calcutta Rowing Club
* Central Forensic Science Laboratory
* Chinese of Calcutta
* Early phase of printing in Calcutta
* Electoral constituencies
* List of people from Kolkata
* Fort William
* Hooghly River
* Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden
* Maidan
* Missionaries of Charity
* Princeton Club
* Rabindra Sarobar
* Royal Calcutta Golf Club
* Sonagachi
* South Park Street Cemetery
* Tollygunge Club
* Tala tank

* Category

* v
* t
* e

Urban rail transit in India

Suburban
rail|

| Operational|

* Chennai Suburban Railway
* Delhi Suburban Railway
* Delhi–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System
* Hyderabad Multi-Modal Transport System
* Kolkata Suburban Railway
* Lucknow
* Barabanki–Lucknow Suburban Railway
* Lucknow–Kanpur Suburban Railway
* Mumbai Suburban Railway
* Pune Suburban Railway

|

Under
construction

* Bengaluru Suburban Railway
* Delhi–Alwar Regional Rapid Transit System

Planned|

* Ahmedabad Suburban Railway
* Nagpur broad-gauge Metro

Proposed|

* Delhi–Sonipat–Panipat Regional Rapid Transit System

Rapid
transit|

| Operational|

* Agra Metro
* Ahmedabad Metro
* Bengaluru Metro
* Chennai Metro
* Chennai MRTS
* Delhi Metro
* Hyderabad Metro
* Indore Metro
* Jaipur Metro
* Kanpur Metro
* Kochi Metro
* Kolkata Metro
* Lucknow Metro
* Mumbai Metro
* Nagpur Metro
* Navi Mumbai Metro
* Noida Metro
* Pune Metro
* Rapid Metro Gurgaon

|

Under
construction|

* Bhoj Metro (Bhopal)
* Patna Metro
* Surat Metro
* Bhubaneswar Metro
* Meerut Metro

Planned|

* Chandigarh Metro
* Coimbatore Metro
* Gorakhpur Metro
* Guwahati Metro
* Jabalpur Metro
* Ludhiana Metro
* Madurai Metro
* Thiruvananthapuram Metro
* Varanasi Metro

Proposed|

* Bareilly Metro
* Jammu Metro
* Ranchi Metro
* Srinagar Metro
* Thane Metro
* Trichy Metro
* Warangal Metro

Monorail|

| Operational|

* Mumbai Monorail

|

Proposed|

* Aizawl Monorail
* Indore Monorail
* Kanpur Monorail
* Patna Monorail
* Warangal Monorail

Cancelled|

* Bengaluru Monorail
* Chennai Monorail
* Kolkata Monorail
* Pune Monorail
* Tiruchirappalli Monorail
* Goa Skybus Metro

Metrolite|

| Planned|

* Gorakhpur Metro
* Greater Nashik Metro
* Kolkata Light Rail Transit
* Kozhikode Light Metro

|

Proposed|

* Prayagraj Metro
* Uttarakhand Metro

Cancelled|

* Chennai Metrolite
* Delhi Metrolite

Tram|

| Operational|

* Kolkata Tram

|

Defunct|

* Bhavnagar Tram
* Chennai Tram
* Delhi Tram
* Kanpur Tram
* Kochi Tram
* Mumbai Tram
* Nashik Tram
* Patna Tram

* v
* t
* e

Railways in Eastern India

National network/
trunk lines|

* Barauni–Guwahati line
* Grand Chord
* Howrah–Chennai main line
* Howrah–Gaya–Delhi line
* Howrah–Nagpur–Mumbai line
* Howrah–New Delhi main line
* Howrah–New Jalpaiguri line
* Howrah–Prayagraj–Mumbai line
* Sahibganj loop

Other lines/sections|

| Interstate|

* Asansol–Gaya section
* Asansol–Patna section
* Asansol–Tatanagar–Kharagpur line
* Barauni–Gorakhpur, Raxaul and Jainagar lines
* Barkakana–Son Nagar line
* Barsoi–New Farakka section
* Barsoi–Radhikapur branch line
* Dumka–Bhagalpur line
* Gaya–Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction section
* Hatia–Rourkela line
* Jasidih–Dumka–Rampurhat line
* Jharsuguda–Vizianagaram line
* Katihar–Siliguri line
* Kharagpur–Puri line
* Khurda Road–Visakhapatnam section
* Kothavalasa–Kirandul line
* New Jalpaiguri–Alipurduar–Samuktala Road line
* New Jalpaiguri–New Bongaigaon section
* Tatanagar–Bilaspur section

|

Bihar|

* Bakhtiyarpur–Tilaiya line
* Barauni–Katihar section
* Barauni–Samastipur section
* Fatuha–Tilaiya line
* Gaya–Kiul line
* Jogbani–Katihar line
* Mansi–Saharsa line
* Mokama–Barauni section
* Muzaffarpur–Gorakhpur line (via Hajipur, Raxaul and Sitamarhi)
* Muzaffarpur–Gorakhpur main line
* Muzaffarpur–Sitamarhi section
* Muzaffarpur–Hajipur section
* Narkatiaganj–Bhikhna Thori branch line
* Neora–Daniyawan–Bihar Sharif–Sheikhpura line
* Patna–Gaya line
* Patna–Mughalsarai section
* Patna–Sonepur–Hajipur section
* Saharsa–Purnia line
* Saharsa–Forbesganj line
* Samastipur–Muzaffarpur section

Jharkhand|

* Barkakana–Netaji S.C.Bose Gomoh line
* Barkakana–Muri–Chandil line
* Dhanbad–Chandrapura line
* Railways in Jharia Coalfield
* Koderma–Hazaribagh–Barkakana–Ranchi line
* Madhupur–Giridih–Koderma line
* Netaji S.C.Bose Gomoh–Hatia line

Odisha|

* Khurda Road–Bolangir line
* Cuttack–Sambalpur line

West Bengal|

* Ahmadpur–Katwa line
* Alipurduar–Bamanhat branch line
* Andal–Sainthia branch line
* Andal–Sitarampur loop line
* Bandel–Howrah Line
* Bandel–Katwa line
* Bankura–Masagram line
* Bardhaman–Asansol section
* Bardhaman–Katwa line
* Barharwa–Azimganj–Katwa loop
* Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
* Eklakhi–Balurghat branch line
* Haldibari–New Jalpaiguri line
* Howrah–Barddhaman main line
* Howrah–Bardhaman chord
* Howrah–Kharagpur line
* Kharagpur–Bankura–Adra line
* New Mal–Changrabandha–New Cooch Behar line
* Santragachi–Amta branch line
* Sealdah Main and North section
* Calcutta Chord link line
* Kolkata Circular Railway
* Sealdah–Bangaon line
* Sealdah–Ranaghat–Gede line
* Ranaghat–Krishnanagar City–Lalgola line
* Sealdah South section
* Sheoraphuli–Bishnupur branch line

Suburban
rail transport|

* Kolkata Metro
* Kolkata Suburban Railway
* Kolkata Circular Railway

Monorail|

* Kolkata Monorail
* Patna Monorail

Defunct lines|

| Revived/
Under revival|

* Ahmedpur–Katwa Railway
* Bankura–Damodar Railway
* Barasat–Basirhat Light Railway
* Burdwan–Katwa Railway
* Bakhtiarpur–Bihar Light Railway
* Futwah–Islampur Light Railway

|

Inactive|

* Bengal Provincial Railway
* East Coast State Railway
* Kalighat Falta Railway
* Mayurbhanj State Railway
* Dehri Rohtas Light Railway
* Patna–Digha Ghat line
* Parlakimedi Light Railway

Zones & Divisions|

| Eastern|

* Asansol
* Howrah
* Malda
* Sealdah

|

East Central|

* Danapur
* Dhanbad
* Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya
* Samastipur
* Sonpur

East Coast|

* Sambalpur
* Khurda Road
* Waltair

North Eastern|

* Varanasi

Northeast Frontier|

* Katihar
* Alipurduar

South Eastern|

* Adra
* Chakradharpur
* Kharagpur
* Ranchi

Production units/
workshops|

* Chittaranjan Locomotive Works
* Bharat Bhari Udyog Nigam
* Braithwaite & Co.
* Burn Standard Company Limited
* Bharat Wagon and Engineering
* Braithwaite, Burn & Jessop Construction Company
* Carriage Repair Workshop, Harnaut
* Electric Locomotive Factory, Madhepura

Transit points
with Bangladesh|

| Active|

* Haldibari–Chilahati
* Singhabad–Rohanpur
* Radhikapur–Biral
* Gede–Darshana
* Petrapole–Benapole

|

Defunct|

* Mahisasan–Shahbajpur
* Changrabandha–Burimari
* New Gitaldaha–Mogalhat

Indian railheads
near India–Nepal border|

* Raxaul Junction
* Bairgania
* Jaynagar
* Jogbani
* Laukaha Bazar
* Thakurganj

Railway companies|

* East Indian Railway Company
* Bengal Nagpur Railway
* Indian Branch Railway Company
* Indian Railways
* Martin's Light Railways

See also|

* Bholu (mascot)
* Suburban rail in India

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