Kolkata Prepares for Smooth Commuting as IPL 2025 Kicks Off
Kolkata, March 21 — As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season kicks off with its opening match at the iconic Eden Gardens, authorities in Kolkata are stepping up to ensure fans enjoy a seamless experience. In anticipation of heavy footfall, Eastern Railway and Kolkata Metro have announced special late-night train and metro services exclusively for match days.
Eastern Railway to Run Extra Night Trains for Cricket Fans
To cater to the thousands of fans expected to attend the high-octane clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore on Saturday, Eastern Railway has scheduled two special trains post-match.
The first train will depart from Prinsep Ghat at 11:50 PM and arrive at Barasat around 1:00 AM. The second train will leave BBD Bagh at 12:00 AM and reach Baruipur by 1:32 AM. These services will also be available on April 22, May 23, and May 25. Officials have confirmed that additional trains may be introduced if required to handle the crowd efficiently.
Kolkata Metro Introduces Late-Night Services from Esplanade
Kolkata Metro has also stepped up to support the surge in night-time commuters. Special metro trains will run from Esplanade to Dakshineswar and Kavi Subhash at 12:15 AM. Additionally, one service will operate from Esplanade to Howrah Maidan around the same time.
These metro trains will halt at all stations to ensure that passengers can travel comfortably to their respective destinations. To ease the commute further, ticket counters at Esplanade station will remain open during this period. However, passengers will be required to pay an extra ₹10 over the regular fare to avail of these special services.
Fans Welcome Smooth Transportation Ahead of IPL Fever
As excitement builds across the city for the thrilling cricket season ahead, these transport arrangements come as a major relief to fans. The combined efforts of Indian Railways and Kolkata Metro ensure that cricket lovers can enjoy the match without worrying about the journey home.
The collaborative initiative marks a significant step in crowd management and public convenience, especially for events of such scale and enthusiasm.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.