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The Kolkata Metro's major corridors have received mixed funding allocations this year, with some lines seeing slight increases and others facing reduced support. The Orange Line, which connects New Garia to the Airport, has been allocated Rs 705.5 crore. This is a small drop compared to last year's Rs 720 crore.
In contrast, the Purple Line, running from Joka to Esplanade, received Rs 906 crore, a marginal increase over last year's Rs 901 crore. The Green Line, or the East-West Metro, which is already operational over a 16.6 km stretch, has been allotted Rs 529 crore, up from Rs 500 crore last year.
Noapara-Barasat Corridor
Officials said that funding for other metro projects in the city, including the Yellow Line, the 18 km Noapara-Barasat corridor, also known as the airport line, has been grouped under different budget heads such as the Sovereign Green Fund. The exact amounts for these projects are still being finalised. According to railway officials, funds will be released based on project progress and revised once existing obstacles are cleared.
Orange & Purple Lines
There were expectations of larger allocations for the Orange and Purple lines, as these are the two upcoming metro routes that commuters are eagerly waiting for. This hope grew after the Green Line, India's first under-river metro connecting Sector V and Howrah Maidan, became fully operational. However, delays caused by the Chingrighata roadblock appear to have affected funding decisions.
Allocation of Funds by Orange Line
Just two years ago, in the 2024-25 budget, the 32 km Orange Line received a large allocation of Rs 1,791.3 crore. This dropped to Rs 720 crore in 2025-26. Officials said most of the earlier funds were used to complete 8.8 km of track beyond Ruby crossing to Sector V. Plans to open this section by June 2025 were delayed because a 366-metre viaduct at Chingrighata has been stalled for nearly a year. If Phase II opens, about 15 km of the Orange Line will be operational.
Challenges Faced by Purple Line
The Purple Line's progress is also facing challenges. Although it received slightly more funds, the final 6 km stretch is delayed due to 528 unauthorised shops at BC Roy Market, where the Esplanade station is planned. In December 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that around 20 km of metro lines in and around Kolkata are stuck due to land issues and pending approvals from the state government.
