The Impact of the Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V Metro Line on Kolkata
The East-West metro corridor, also known as the Green Line, is a significant route in the Kolkata Metro Network. This corridor includes India’s first underwater metro line, making it a landmark in the country’s transportation history. One of the most crucial sections of this corridor is the Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V metro line. This line has not only improved connectivity but also spurred real estate development in the region. In this article, we will explore the benefits and real estate impact of the Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V metro line.
Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V Metro Line: Construction Timeline
Developed by the Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation (KMRC), the Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V metro line was opened in phases:
- February 13, 2020: The first phase from Salt Lake Sector V to Salt Lake Stadium was inaugurated.
- October 4, 2020: Metro services were extended to Phoolbagan metro station.
- July 12, 2022: The section from Phoolbagan to Sealdah became operational.
Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V Line: Metro Stations
| Metro Stations | Layout | Operational Date |
|---|---|---|
| Bandhan Bank Salt Lake Sector V | Elevated | February 13, 2020 |
| Karunamoyee | Elevated | February 13, 2020 |
| Central Park | Elevated | February 13, 2020 |
| LICI City Center | Elevated | February 13, 2020 |
| Bengal Chemical | Elevated | February 13, 2020 |
| IFA Salt Lake Stadium | Elevated | February 13, 2020 |
| Phoolbagan | Underground | October 4, 2020 |
| Sealdah | Underground | July 12, 2022 |
Benefits for Commuters
The East-West metro corridor in Kolkata is set to become a major lifeline for commuters. It links several important localities and major landmarks, including the two major railway terminals at Howrah and Sealdah. Salt Lake Sector V, Esplanade, and BBD Bagh on the Green Line are prominent employment hubs. The operational line has significantly enhanced connectivity for thousands of working professionals.
Moreover, people traveling towards Howrah Railway Station can easily interchange from the metro, thanks to direct access to the railway station. This section will eventually connect to Howrah Maidan with a 10.8 km underground stretch. The Esplanade to Howrah Maidan underwater metro, built under the Hooghly River, became operational on March 6, 2024. A 2.5-km stretch between Sealdah and Esplanade is yet to be operational. The Phoolbagan metro station is the first underground station of the East-West metro route. The Green Line will finally connect Howrah with Teghoria, a developing locality in east Kolkata. Additionally, Esplanade will serve as an interchange point for the Kolkata Metro Purple Line and Blue Line.
Fare and Timings
To facilitate faster commuting on the Sealdah to Salt Lake Sector V stretch, the Kolkata Metro Railway revised the timetable, reducing the running time to 17 and 18 minutes from the previous 20 minutes. The new timetable has been in effect since April 16, 2024, and is applicable from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, metro services will run as per the previous timetable.
The first service now starts at 7:05 AM instead of 7:00 AM from Salt Lake Sector V to Sealdah. The last train arrives at 7:30 PM. The East-West metro corridor is equipped with the Communication Based Train Control system (CBTC), comprising Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operation (ATO). The adoption of this latest technology is expected to save running time by two minutes on the west-bound route and three minutes on the east-bound route.
The metro fare ranges between Rs 5 to Rs 20, depending on the distance covered.
Real Estate Impact
The metro corridor covers some of the established real estate destinations, such as the industrial hub of Howrah, the IT hub of Salt Lake, and the commercial areas around Esplanade and Sealdah. The development of the metro corridor has been a key growth driver for the property market in these regions. With improved connectivity and growth in employment opportunities, there has been a rise in demand for residential properties and commercial spaces for investment. Consequently, property prices have seen a significant increase.
For instance, property prices in Sealdah have witnessed a 5% increase in the past year. Other areas along this line, like Teghoria, Raghunathpur, Kestopur, and Baguiati, have seen a 9% increase in property prices, while Phoolbagan has experienced a price appreciation of 13.24%.
BhuMe.in News Viewpoint
The Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V metro line connects major employment and commercial hubs, such as Sealdah Market and Esplanade, providing a faster route for those traveling to their workplaces. The metro section has ensured smooth connectivity for commuters by offering a convenient and affordable public transport option. People can save a lot of commuting time by avoiding road traffic and crowded areas.
With the rapid expansion of the Kolkata Metro network, including interchange facilities like Esplanade, the Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V metro line will prove to be a lifeline for commuters. For example, the Dum Dum airport to New Garia and Joka to Green Line’s Mahakaran BBD Bagh metro projects will make key localities easily accessible, including the Central Business District (CBD).
The Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V metro line passes through prominent localities of Kolkata, positively impacting the residential sector in the region. There has been growth in residential projects and commercial developments. The metro project is a significant growth driver for the area, attracting many home seekers looking for good connectivity. One can find ample options for rented properties and properties for sale. Areas such as Sealdah, Phoolbagan, Kankurgachi, and Salt Lake City offer many affordable properties for home seekers, with prices ranging between Rs 6,500 per square foot (sqft) to Rs 10,000 per sqft. These areas provide excellent opportunities for property investment. Moreover, these localities have access to key social infrastructural facilities and employment hubs, making them an ideal choice for professionals and families.
Conclusion
The Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V metro line is more than just a transportation route; it is a catalyst for growth and development in Kolkata. By enhancing connectivity and reducing travel time, it has made commuting easier for thousands of people. Additionally, the metro line has spurred real estate development, making it a win-win for both commuters and investors. As the Kolkata Metro network continues to expand, the Sealdah-Salt Lake Sector V line will undoubtedly remain a crucial part of the city’s infrastructure, driving growth and improving the quality of life for its residents.