Kolkata Metro and Suburban Rail record massive ridership during Durga Puja

Kolkata's transit networks experienced unprecedented passenger numbers during the 2026 Durga Puja festival. The Kolkata Metro recorded 61.51 lakh passengers between Panchami and Dashami, marking a 32 percent increase from the 46.56 lakh commuters recorded during the same period in 2025.

The Metro achieved its highest-ever single-day ridership on Sasthi, with 12.01 lakh passengers. To accommodate the surge, authorities operated round-the-clock services on the Blue and Green lines during Saptami, Ashtami, and Navami. Dum Dum station was the busiest hub with over 4.97 lakh passengers, followed by Kalighat and Sealdah.

Simultaneously, the Sealdah Division of the Eastern Railway reported record figures, with over 2.63 crore passengers traveling on suburban trains from Sasthi to Dashami. This represents a 33.44 percent increase compared to the previous year. To manage the influx, the railway operated 266 special trains. Officials attributed the high ridership to network expansions and the widespread use of digital ticketing and smart cards.