Kolkata Metro has announced special late-night services on the Blue Line and Green Line-2 to accommodate fans attending the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The much-anticipated clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is set to take place at the iconic Eden Gardens on Saturday, March 22. This move aims to ensure smooth and convenient transportation for the expected massive crowd after the match.
The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) requested extended metro services on behalf of KKR, considering the anticipated large turnout. In response, the authorities have arranged special metro trains that will operate from Esplanade station on both the Blue Line and Green Line-2. These services will provide late-night connectivity to crucial routes, helping fans return home without any hassle.
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For the convenience of passengers, booking counters at Old Esplanade and New Esplanade Metro stations will remain open, offering Smart Cards, Tokens, and Paper-Based QR Tickets. However, an additional surcharge of INR 10 per ticket will be applied on top of the regular fare.
Blue Line Special Services:
- Towards Dakshineswar: A special metro (Spl.1) will depart from Esplanade at 12:15 AM, reaching Dakshineswar at 12:48 AM.
- Towards Kavi Subhas: Another special train (Spl.2) will leave Esplanade at 12:15 AM and arrive at Kavi Subhas at 12:48 AM.
Special midnight #Metro services from #Esplanade station after the #IPL match of #KKR to be played at #EdenGardens on 23.03.2024 pic.twitter.com/TulsOBRylp
— Metro Railway Kolkata (@metrorailwaykol) March 20, 2024
Green Line-2 Special Service:
- Towards Howrah Maidan: A special train (Spl.1) will operate from Esplanade at 12:15 AM, reaching Howrah Maidan at 12:23 AM.
Meanwhile, weather conditions threaten to disrupt the opening match. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall due to an anticyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal. An orange alert has been issued for parts of West Bengal from March 20 to March 22.
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Adding to the excitement, both teams will be under new leadership — Ajinkya Rahane will lead KKR with Venkatesh Iyer as vice-captain, while Rajat Patidar will captain RCB, replacing Faf du Plessis. The match will kick off with a grand opening ceremony featuring singer Shreya Ghoshal, rapper Karan Aujla, and actress Disha Patani.
