Kolkata Metro must be ready to shell out Rs 10 surcharge for using late night services on the Blue Line. The surcharge will be applicable on all those passengers who use late night services between New Garia and Dum Dum. The services depart at 10.40 pm on week days.
The new surcharge is aimed at aiding night time operation as there is usually low ridership during the late night hours. The Kolkata Metro has added the surcharge to keep the metro’s night services feasible beyond normal operations, said a report in Times of India.
“The surcharge is applicable on all those passengers who travel on Kavi Subhash-Dum Dum route. The surcharge will be paid irrespective of the distance travelled, said Kolkata Metro spokesperson. The spokesperson further added that the move was needed as occupancy during night services was very poor.
Officials said the need for the surcharge arose to maintain the feasibility of the late night metro services that generally witness low ridership. The metro plans to offset the financial burden due to the new fee.
The surcharge announcement was initially made on December 3. After the announcement, there was huge backlash on social media which caused implementation delays. The plan has now been effective since Jan 1, 2025. The passengers who regularly use the late night services have slammed the decision of the Kolkata Metro.
