Kolkata Metro Orange Line: Sector V Trial Run Successful, When Will Services Start?

KOLKATA, October 10, 2026: Kolkata Metro’s long-awaited Orange Line extension towards Salt Lake Sector V has reached an important milestone, with a successful trial run reported on the Beleghata–Sector V section. The development brings the project closer to connecting more of the city’s southern areas with the major IT and business hub in Salt Lake.

The report published by The Indian Express Bangla said the trial run took place on Saturday, October 10. Testing of the modern train-control and signalling system was also reported to be underway. However, the section is not automatically ready for passenger operations: further technical work and the necessary safety clearances remain important steps before services can begin.

Kolkata Metro Orange Line: What Happened on October 10?

The latest development concerns the section connecting Beleghata with Sector V, part of the larger Orange Line corridor linking Kavi Subhash in southern Kolkata with Jai Hind Bimanbandar near the airport.

The reported trial run is a significant step in testing the infrastructure and train operations on the extension. Trial runs allow railway teams to assess how trains operate on a section and identify technical issues that may need attention before passenger services are introduced.

The reported progress is encouraging for commuters who have been waiting for a more direct Metro connection between southern Kolkata and the Sector V business district. Nevertheless, a trial run alone does not establish a public opening date.

Will Kolkata Metro Start Passenger Services to Sector V Now?

Not immediately on the basis of the trial run alone. The latest report indicated that technical testing, including signalling-related work, remained part of the process. The section will need to complete the applicable tests and receive the required safety approvals before passenger operations can be confirmed.

Commuters should therefore continue to check official Kolkata Metro announcements for the opening date, station details, operating hours and any interchange arrangements. Until an official commencement notice is issued, travellers should not assume that they can board passenger trains between Beleghata and Sector V.

Why Is the Beleghata–Sector V Connection Important?

Salt Lake Sector V is one of Kolkata’s principal IT and commercial districts. A direct Metro connection from the southern part of the city could offer another public-transport option for office workers, students and other daily commuters.

Once the section becomes operational, passengers may be able to combine the Orange Line with existing Metro services to reach more destinations. The actual journey options, interchange arrangements and time savings will depend on the services available when the extension opens.

The project is also part of the wider effort to improve connections between southern Kolkata, Salt Lake, New Town and the airport area. The full corridor is being developed in stages, so progress on one section should not be confused with completion of the entire route.

What Is the Kolkata Metro Orange Line Route?

The Orange Line is the Metro corridor planned between Kavi Subhash, also known as New Garia, and Jai Hind Bimanbandar near Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. The route is intended to improve connectivity across southern and eastern parts of the Kolkata metropolitan area.

Parts of the corridor have already entered passenger service in stages. The Beleghata–Sector V section is an important extension because of the employment centres and residential areas it could connect.

However, the remaining sections of a large infrastructure project can have different construction, testing and approval timelines. The operational status of one stretch does not mean that every station on the complete Orange Line is open.

What Happens Before the New Section Opens?

Before passenger operations can begin, the project must complete the relevant technical checks and obtain the required safety clearance. Signalling and train-control systems are particularly important because they help manage train movement and operational safety.

The latest report described further technical and signalling work as pending. An official opening announcement would be needed to establish when passengers can use the new section and what service pattern will be offered.

PulseNex Updates will update this report if Kolkata Metro or the responsible authorities announce a confirmed passenger-service date or publish new operating details.

What Should Commuters Do Now?

• Check the official Kolkata Metro website for current service notices.
• Do not rely on trial-run news as confirmation that the new section is open to passengers.
• Verify station access, operating hours and interchange options before planning a journey around the extension.
• Look for an official commissioning or passenger-service announcement before changing regular travel plans.

Conclusion

The reported successful trial run between Beleghata and Sector V is a positive development for Kolkata’s Orange Line project. The extension could improve travel options between southern Kolkata and the city’s IT hub, but the remaining technical work and required safety approvals are crucial.

For commuters, the next important update is not simply another trial run, but an official confirmation of when passenger services will begin. Until then, the tested section should not be treated as an operational public Metro route.

Reporting note: This article is based on reporting published on October 10, 2026, and earlier coverage of the Orange Line project. The opening date has not been presented as confirmed.