About Kolkata Metro :
Kolkata Metro was the first metro rail to be set up in India and the fifth one to be established in the entire Asian continent. Maintained by the Indian Railways, this underground metro network became functional in the year 1984. The metro rail stretches from the northern Kolkata at Dum Dum and continues through Park Street and Esplanade, in the center of the city, to the southern end, in Tollygunge. The entire length of Calcutta metro network is 16.45 km and there are a total of 17 stations on the entire stretch. Metro rail is one of the most convenient modes of traveling in a crowded city like Kolkata. The plans of Kolkata metro rail project began much later than it was conceived. Bidhan Chand Roy, the then chief minister of West Bengal, came up with the idea of a metro as early as 1949. However, the conceptualization and application of the idea took over a huge period of 35 years. Even after the laying of foundation stone by Smt. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India, on December 29, 1972, the project suffered several hiccups, like lack of fund, lack of technology, unavailability of mandatory goods, lack of expertise, and court issues, and took about 12 years to be completed. When Kolkata metro was started, in 1984, the rail served on a single line only, between Esplanade & Netaji Bhawan (then called Bhowanipore). At that time, there were no magnetic gates or electronic ticketing system. There were ordinary revolving gates, with normal tickets. In 1986, the extension of the rail up to Tollygunge took place, leading to many new developments. For instance, the metro service started on double line and magnetic tickets as well as electronic entry gates were also introduced. The construction work related to Calcutta metro rail was again disrupted, for about six years, due to political insurgency. During this time, more magnetic gates, escalators and entry gates were added at the stations. At present, efforts are on to make the Kolkata metro a world class metro. There are also plans to increase the access of the metro rail by 2009 on other routes. Even an east-west metro corridor, under the authority of KMRC (Kolkata Metro Rail Corporation), has been planned in the near future.
General Information about Kolkata :
Location: Kolkata
State: West Bengal
Capital: Kolkata
Language: Bengali, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Kolkata :
By Air:
Kolkata is well connected by airways, to all the major countries in the world as well as to the key Indian cities. There are regular flights from all the major cities of India, like Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai, to the place. Even international destinations, in France, Britain, Holland, Bangladesh, Japan, Singapore, Nepal, Jordan and Thailand, are connected to the Netaji Subash Chandra Bose International Airport of Kolkata. This airport is located at Dumdum, about 15 km away from the main township.
By Rail:
The rail connectivity of Calcutta is also very good. Trains connect the city with all the major cities of India. Super fast trains like Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express ply between Kolkata and Delhi and other nearby places. Kolkata has two major railway stations; one is located in Howrah and the other is at Sealdah, with the former being the stop for majority of the interstate trains.
By Road:
The road connectivity of Kolkata to adjoining areas is also wisely planned. The Esplanade Terminus is the main bus terminal that lies in the heart of the city. From here, you can easily get a bus as well as taxi for travelling to the cities within West Bengal as well as in the neighbouring states. Even road connectivity to Bangladesh is smooth and comfortable, with frequent Bus service.
How to Travel in Kolkata:
For the international tourists, it is always advisable to carry their Indian visa, as it is cumbersome to get one after arriving Carry all your important documents and money If you are travelling alone, don’t publicize it. Incase you happen to lose your passport, immediately lodge a complaint at the police station and also inform your country’s embassy. It is advisable to carry adequate photocopies of your passport, traveller’s checks and insurance. Beware of touts and agents. Make sure that your hotel reservation is done and it is confirmed. To secure your belongings, use a combination lock.