Kolkata’s infrastructure and transportation network have been witnessing major uplifts for a while now. Several high-profile infrastructure projects are taking shape in the city and the adjoining areas. At the same time, some much-awaited highways and expressways are nearing completion. The metro network in the city has also picked up pace after decades of sluggish growth and red tape-related delays.
These developments will not only enhance connectivity and amenities for the residents but also have the potential to attract significant investment from domestic and offshore investors and businesses.
Let’s take a close look at some of the promising and upcoming infrastructure and transportation network-related developments in Kolkata.
Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway
What if you could reach Varanasi from Kolkata by road within just 7 hours instead of the usual grind of 12-14 hours? Incredible as it may sound, this is soon going to become a reality, thanks to the upcoming Varanasi-Ranchi-Kolkata Expressway (NH319B).
This six-lane greenfield expressway spans over 610 kilometres and once completed, has the potential to revolutionise regional connectivity, along with travel and trading activities. The NH319B starting at Barhuli will touch NH-16 before ending at Uluberia. It is expected to be fully operational in 2026. The expressway will also connect key business hubs in neighbouring states like Jharkhand and Bihar, enabling faster access to Kolkata.
Noapara Barasat Metro – Yellow Line
In the last few years, Kolkata Metro has picked up its expansion pace, bringing cheer to the residents and commuters from the suburbs. While the first underwater metro of the country connecting the business hub of Howrah with the esplanade is already operational, another route is also making headlines. We are talking about the much-delayed Noapara Barasat Route- also called the Yellow Line.
Of late, the route has witnessed significant progress, and track laying between the stations at Kolkata airport and Dum Dum Cantonment is complete. The Noapara-Dum Dum Cantonment stretch has already got safety clearance from the CRS and a trolley inspection has been done until the Airport (Jai Hind) metro station.
With the 7-km long Noapara airport section expected to be operational in 2025, metro connectivity to the airport will soon become a reality. The Yellow Line linking the northern suburbs with 2 other routes (Blue and green) will ease intra-city transportation and trading in a big way.
Kolkata NSCBI Airport Expansion
The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata is all set for an extensive makeover, aimed to boost both domestic and international flight connectivity drastically. The expansion project pegged at INR 5000 crore includes the development of the new T2 terminal. Post the expansion, the airport will be able to handle 1.1 crore passengers per year, consolidating Kolkata’s position as a major gateway to Southeast Asia. It is expected to be operational by early 2026 or earlier.
The T2 terminal will complement the existing T1 which is nearing the saturation mark clearly. With 21 aerobridges (3 more than T1) and dedicated check-in and retail zones, the new terminal will elevate the passenger experience. It will be set up in two phases and there is a plan to demolish the aging domestic terminal, too. Along with the expansion, the airport is also undergoing a navigation and surveillance system to minimize flight disruptions and enhance the overall flyer experience.
Kolkata Bangkok Trilateral Highway
Have you ever thought of reaching Thailand from the City of Joy, without taking direct or stopover flights? It is soon going to become a reality thanks to the upcoming Trilateral Highway connecting Bangkok with Kolkata. The ambitious project spanning a distance of 2800 km was originally proposed in 2002.
The Trilateral highway will connect India with neighbouring nations like Myanmar, and Thailand by road enabling business travellers to seek an alternative to lengthy and stopover flights. While construction is ongoing, the completion is expected sometime in 2028.
The Trilateral highway, once operational, will link Kolkata with key trading hubs in Northeastern states like Siliguri, Kohima, and Guwahati. It will also give a solid boost to the fast-growing travel sector in those regions. Besides, the project will help boost the real estate and infrastructure in eastern India.
Belghoria Expressway Link With Kalyani Expressway
A much-awaited and transformative highway re-development near Kolkata expected to boost the connectivity with suburbs drastically, is in progress. The project will link two busy and extensively used corridors – Belghoria Expressway and Kalyani Expressway. Once operational, this will cut the travel time between Kalyani AIIMS and Kolkata NSCBI airport to only 45 minutes. Presently, it takes over 2 hours to cover the distance.
The two expressways will converge at a point located between Sukantapally and Mathkal bus stops. An elevated corridor covering 1,300 metres is being developed by the state PWD to avoid congestion at the zero point. After the redevelopment, the Kalyani Expressway will be widened to 6 lanes and there will be 19 bridges.
The project, started in mid-2019 was scheduled for completion by 2025-end. After resolving encroachments and legal hurdles, the construction has picked up pace. The Kalyani Expressway extension project will link Kolkata with adjoining districts Nadia and Hooghly, paving the way for enhanced trading and faster travel.
Final Thoughts
With such major transportation projects nearing completion and picking up pace in Kolkata, the time is ripe for real estate investments. This could be ideal for businesses and entrepreneurs seeking real estate investments in and around the city.
