Esplanade Metro Station, situated in the heart of Kolkata, is a crucial part of the city’s ever-expanding metro station. The metro station was inaugurated on October 24, 1984, becoming a significant milestone in the first rapid transit system in India. Now, Esplanade is a major interchange between North-South and East-West corridors, offering seamless access throughout the city. Moreover, its strategic location at the intersection of Jawaharlal Nehru Road and Chowringhee Road plays an important role. If you are new to the city, you should know how to navigate the Esplanade metro route. Here’s a complete rundown of the metro station, route, and other essential information!
About Esplanade Metro Rail Station
Dharmatala Metro Station started its journey as a part of Kolkata Metro Line 1, and it has undergone several expansions and upgrades over the years. The station is designed to cater to the increasing footfall and is equipped with modern amenities. For commercial services, the inaugural ride ran from Esplanade to Netaji Bhavan Metro Station. Now, you can go from Dakhineshwar to Esplanade without any interchanges.
| Feature | Details |
| Station Name | Esplanade Metro Station |
| Location | Esplanade, Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
| Operational Since | 1984 |
| Lines Served | North-South Line (Blue Line), East-West Line (Green Line) |
| Type of Station | Underground interchange |
| Platform Configuration | Four island platforms and two side platforms, supporting six tracks |
| Nearby Landmarks | New Market, Oberoi Grand Hotel |
| Significance | Largest metro station in Kolkata; crucial interchange hub for city-wide connectivity |
| Recent Developments | Ongoing expansion to integrate additional metro lines; completion of Line-2 complex in 2024 |
| Passenger Amenities | Modern facilities including ticket counters, shops, and accessibility features for the disabled |
| Safety Features | CCTV surveillance for enhanced security |
| Coordinates | 22.5649° N and 88.3517° E |
| Parking Facilities | No designated parking; primarily serves pedestrians and public transport users |
Also Read: Delhi Metro Map 2025: Lines, Apps, Future Development
Design and Layout of Esplanade Metro Station
Esplanade Metro Station is a crucial underground transit hub and serves as an interchange for the North-South Line and the East-West Line. It is proposed that the metro station will be integrated with Line 3. The metro station uses top-down construction methods suitable for deltaic soil conditions. This technique minimises disruptions to the surrounding area while ensuring a stable underground facility. The sprayed concrete lining is used for the tunnels to reduce the need for piled barriers, improving structural integrity and safety.
Dharmatala Metro Station features four island platforms and two side platforms, with six tracks. The configuration allows efficient passenger movement and is designed to handle a large volume of footfall, making it one of the busiest metro stations in Kolkata.
Also Read: Delhi Airport Metro Timings In 2024: Route, Facilities, Fares
Esplanade Metro Station Services and Passenger Facilities
Esplanade Metro Station features different amenities ensuring a well-rounded commuter experience. There are CCTV cameras for security, accessibility features for disabled passengers, and multiple entry and exit points to facilitate smooth movement. The station does not offer designated parking and instead focuses on serving pedestrians and public transport users.
| Gate Number | Location |
| Gate 1 & 3 | Rani Rashmoni Gate of Curzon Park, Esplanade, Kolkata |
| Gate 2 | 5, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, New Market Area, Kolkata |
| Gate 4 | 1, SN Banerjee Road, New Market Area, Kolkata |
| Gate 5 | 12, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, New Market Area, Kolkata |
| Gate 6 | 4, Chowringhee Place, New Market Area, Kolkata |
| Gate 7 | Dufferin Road, Maidan, Kolkata |
| Gate 8 | 17, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Maidan, Kolkata |
Esplanade Metro Station Timings You Should Know
Dharmatala Metro Station operates on two lines of the Kolkata Metro, providing essential services for commuters. The timings for trains at this station vary between weekdays and weekends, ensuring accessibility throughout the week.
Monday to Saturday:
First Train: 6:45 AM
Last Train: 9:55 PM
Final Destination Arrival: 10:45 PM
Sundays:
First Train: 9:50 AM
Last Train: 9:55 PM
During peak hours, trains run more frequently to accommodate the increased passenger load, while services are less frequent during non-peak times.
Train Frequency
- Peak Hours (9 AM – 11 AM and 5 PM – 8 PM): Trains every 20 minutes.
- Non-Peak Hours: Trains every 24 minutes.
| Day | First Train | Last Train | Final Destination Arrival |
| Monday to Saturday | 6:45 AM | 9:55 PM | 10:45 PM |
| Sunday | 9:50 AM | 9:55 PM | N/A |
Also Read: Kochi Metro Network: Timings, Fares, Ticket Booking, Future
Fares and Tickets from Esplanade Metro Station
Esplanade Metro Station offers a fare structure depending on the distance travelled, making it one of the most economical metro systems in India. The fares range from INR 5 for short distances to INR 25 for longer journeys. You can get a smart card for INR 250 for unlimited rides valid for one day and INR 550 for unlimited rides valid for three days.
| Route | Distance (km) | Fare (INR) |
| Esplanade to Kavi Subhash | 15 | 20 |
| Esplanade to Rabindra Sadan | 1.5 | 5 |
| Esplanade to Kavi Nazrul | 12 | 15 |
| Esplanade to Jatin Das Park | 6 | 10 |
Esplanade Metro Rail Route Details 2025
Currently, the Blue Line of Kolkata Metro (North-South corridor) connects Dakhineswar to Kavi Subhash and Esplanade is an important transit hub in the route. The Green Line (East-West) connects Sector V to Sealdah and Howrah Maidan to Esplanade.
1. Howrah Maidan Metro to Esplanade Metro
This route is operational with trains running from 6:55 AM to 10 PM on weekdays. The length of the route is 4.8 km, and 118 services run on weekdays and 46 on Sundays.
2. Esplanade Metro to Sealdah Metro
The route is currently under construction and the length is 2.5 km. The section is expected to be completed by early 2025 and has faced delays due to subsidence issues in the Bowbazar area.
| Route | Length (km) | Status | Completion Date |
| Howrah Maidan to Esplanade | 4.8 | Operational | N/A |
| Esplanade to Sealdah | 2.5 | Under Construction | Early 2025 |
| Joka to Esplanade (Purple Line) | TBD | Planned | TBD |
As Esplanade Metro Station is located in the heart of the city and near a major commercial hub, you can find numerous restaurants and renowned hotels nearby. Aminia, Nizam’s, Amber, and Aaheli are some of the famous places to eat near Dharmatala, Kolkata. Moreover, the area is dotted with premium residential societies, such as Siddha Sky, Merlin Pristine, and Navyom. Needless to say, the neighbourhood in Esplanade Metro Rail Station has become a major tourist attraction ensuring all the amenities for everyone.
Also Read: Aluva Metro Station, Kochi: Route Map, Timings, Fares In 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I go from Esplanade to Dharmatala via metro?
To travel from Esplanade to Dharmatala via metro, take the Blue Line towards Dakshineswar and get off at the Chandni Chowk station, which is approximately 0.3 km from Dharmatala.
2. How far is New Market from Esplanade Metro Rail Station?
New Market is approximately 1 km away from Esplanade Metro Rail Station.
3. How do I go from Esplanade to MG Road Metro Station?
To go from Esplanade to MG Road Metro Station, take the Blue Line towards Dakshineswar and disembark at the Mahatma Gandhi Road station, which is approximately 2 km away.
4. Is there a route from Esplanade to Sector V Metro Station?
Yes, there is a route from Esplanade to Sector V Metro Station via the Green Line, where you can travel from Esplanade to Salt Lake Sector V with a transfer at Sealdah.
5. How do I reach Phoolbagan via Esplanade Metro?
To reach Phoolbagan from Esplanade Metro Station, take the Green Line towards Salt Lake Sector V and disembark at Phoolbagan station, which is approximately 4 km away.
