The Noapara to Jai Hind Bimanbandar stretch of the Kolkata Metro is set to open for commercial service soon, according to reports. Spanning 6.77 kilometres, this new section forms a key part of the Yellow Line and is expected to significantly improve access to Kolkata’s airport. Once operational, the metro will offer a faster, smoother, and more comfortable journey to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, easing traffic congestion and reducing travel time for daily commuters and air travellers alike. This development marks a major step forward in the city’s ongoing efforts to modernise and expand its public transport network.
The initial stretch features four stations—Noapara, Dum Dum Cantonment, Jessore Road, and Jai Hind Bimanbandar—three of which are brand-new additions designed to bridge the gap between the city and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Beyond speed and convenience, the new line also offers a fresh way to experience the city. Whether you're a commuter or a curious explorer, these stations open windows into neighbourhoods and hidden corners of north Kolkata. From the historic military quarters near Dum Dum Cantonment to the bustling streets surrounding Jessore Road, and finally to the sleek terminus at the airport, this new corridor invites passengers to see the city anew—through the lens of transit, transformation, and travel.
Just beyond the platforms of Dum Dum Cantonment station lies a neighbourhood steeped in history and culture, offering more than just a convenient metro stop. This area blends heritage landmarks with everyday urban life, making it a rewarding detour for curious travellers. The Old Cannon near Balaka Natun Bazar stands as a relic of colonial history. Follow Rastraguru Avenue to the House of Lord Clive, one of the area’s most significant colonial-era structures, or explore Basak Palace in Manoshipara, echoing the grandeur of a bygone era. For spiritual seekers, the Adyapeath Temple in North Dum Dum draws devotees year-round, while just a short journey away, the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and Belur Math are iconic religious and architectural landmarks. In 2021, the stretch of the Metro Rail which ran from Kavi Subhas station (New Garia, in the south) to Dumdum and Noapara (in the north) had been extended till Dakshineswar.
Jessore Road may be one of Kolkata’s busiest arteries, but beneath its bustle lies a corridor rich in memory and meaning. Named after the town of Jessore in Bangladesh, the road has long served as a strategic route—first as a trade link, then as a refuge during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. It was along this very path that thousands of refugees fled to safety, a humanitarian crisis so profound that it moved American poet Allen Ginsberg to write "September on Jessore Road", capturing its haunting reality in verse.
Today, this stretch in North Kolkata continues to pulse with life, connecting the city to Dum Dum and beyond. It’s also a place where history meets craftsmanship and quiet tributes. Near its winding course, visitors will find the Mother Teresa Statue, a solemn reminder of the saint’s work among the displaced and the destitute. Not far away lies Kumartuli, a famed artisans’ quarter where generations of sculptors have shaped clay into gods—delicate Durga idols destined for pujas across the globe. As the Yellow Line now brings more eyes and footsteps to this historic stretch, Jessore Road invites travellers to look past the rush and discover the layers of artistry, history, and resilience that still live along its path.
With the Yellow Line bringing Noapara into sharper focus, this northern Kolkata neighbourhood reveals itself as a pocket of rich history and spiritual heritage. Just a short ride away is Barrackpore’s Gandhi Ghat, a serene riverside memorial honouring Mahatma Gandhi and the region’s role in India’s freedom movement. Within Noapara, the Old Kali Bari reflects generations of worship. Also nearby is Kashipur Udyanbati, once home to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, offering a glimpse into Bengal’s spiritual legacy.