Esplanade Metro Rail Station in Kolkata

On October 24th, 1984, Kolkata Metro made history with its first-ever journey, starting India’s very first rapid transit system. At the heart of this historic launch stood Esplanade Metro Rail Station, inaugurated as part of Kolkata Metro Line 1.

Commercial services began with the inaugural ride between Esplanade Metro Rail Station and Bhowanipur (now known as Netaji Bhavan Metro Station) in south Kolkata, covering a distance of 3.4 km with 5 stations initially.

Today, Esplanade Station serves as a crucial interchange linking the city’s North-South and East-West corridors. So, it comes as no surprise that it ranks among Kolkata’s busiest metro stations.

Esplanade is also undergoing significant expansion to integrate Lines 2 and 3, solidifying its position as the largest metro station in the city. Let’s take a deep dive into this pivotal hub that continues to shape Kolkata’s urban transportation landscape.

Also Read: Metro Network in India

Esplanade Metro Rail Station Location

Esplanade Metro Station is situated at the northern end of Jawaharlal Nehru Road, also known as Chowringhee Road, in the Esplanade neighbourhood. It is in close proximity to two prominent landmarks: New Market and the Oberoi Grand Hotel.

Serving as a pivotal station on Kolkata Metro Line 1, Esplanade Station offers convenient access to one of the city’s major shopping destinations.

• Address: Esplanade Metro Station is Esplanade Metro, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Esplanade, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013.

• Co-ordinates: 22.5649° N and 88.3517° E. This information might be handy for those who prefer digital maps.

Design and Structure of Esplanade Metro Rail Station

Since it is located at the North-South Line 1 and the East-West Line 2 intersection, the Esplanade metro rail station serves as an underground interchange metro station for all three of Kolkata Metro‘s lines. Line 3’s last stop will likewise be at the junction. Top-down building methods were used to build the massive underground infrastructure in the deltaic soil, and sprayed concrete lining tunnels were added to eliminate piled barriers.

Kolkata’s Esplanade Metro Rail Station (Source: Wikimedia)

Esplanade Metro Station – Quick Facts

Take a look at some important facts about the Esplanade Metro Rail Station:

Location	Esplanade, Kolkata
Inaugurated	1984
Coordinates	22.564942°N and 88.351699°E
Owned by	Kolkata Metro
Lines	Blue Line, Green Line and Purple Line
Number of Platforms	4 Island Platforms & 2 Side Platforms
Number of Tracks	6
Structure Type	Underground
Station Code	KESP
Electrified	750 V DC Third Rail

Esplanade Metro Station – Facilities and Features

The Esplanade metro station in Kolkata is designed with modern amenities, sufficient to cater to the large number of footfalls that visit the station. The station’s infrastructure is developed keeping in mind the deltaic soil of Kolkata. Here are some of the features that makes the Esplanade Metro Station stand out-

• Construction and Infrastructure

The structure of Esplanade metro station is built using the top down construction method, which is suited for the city’s soil. The technique is coupled with sprayed concrete lining for tunnels that eliminates the need of constructing piled barriers. This offers a stable and secure underground facility.

• Layout and Platforms

The metro station boasts a well groomed layout with four island platforms and two side platforms to facilitate smooth movement of passengers. The metro station supports six total tracks, enabling high-frequency services and less waiting time.

• Passenger Amenities and Accessibility

The Esplanade metro station is designed to offer top-notch facilities to its travellers enhancing the overall experience. It is equipped with CCTV cameras, pedestrian way for better on-foot movement, and digital gates for smooth travel.

You Might Also Like

 

 

Best Residential Areas to Live in Kolkata for Millennials in 2025

Published:Aug 18, 2025, 21:12

Kolkata Metro Line 4 – Barasat – Noapara Line, Yellow Line

Published:Aug 18, 2025, 14:00

KMC Building Rules for Safe & Legal Construction | West Bengal Municipal Building Rules

Published:Aug 14, 2025, 15:00

Kolkata Metro: Route, Map, Timings, Fare, and Updates

Published:Aug 14, 2025, 13:00

Kolkata Metro Line 2 – Green Line, East West Metro

Published:Aug 14, 2025, 13:00

Kolkata Purple Line 3 Metro – Route map, Stations, Completion Date & More

Published:Aug 12, 2025, 12:00

Kolkata Tram – Route, Map, Station, Timings, Fares & More

Published:Aug 08, 2025, 05:00

Red Line Metro in Mumbai – Metro Lines 7, 7A, and 9

Published:Jul 17, 2025, 18:00

Esplanade Metro Rail Station- Route Map

Esplanade Metro Rail Station that transits on the North-South corridor (Source: Wikimedia)

The Kolkata Metro timings on Line 1 during weekdays, i.e., from Monday to Saturday, are from 6:45 am to 9:55 pm. The last train reaches its destination at 10:45 pm. But the Kolkata Metro Timings vary on Sundays, and trains run from 9:50 am to 21:55 pm. The fare ranges from INR 5 to INR 25.

A quick look at the preceding and following stations of Esplanade metro station:

There are 7 Entry/Exit Gates at Kolkata’s Esplanade Metro Rail Station. The following table is a ready reckoner if you want to find your way around the Esplanade metro station.

Facilities at Esplanade Metro Rail station, Kolkata

There are CCTV cameras at strategic points to ensure the safety and security of passengers. You can use the elevator. Esplanade metro station also has disabled access.

The facade of the Esplanade Metro Rail Station in Kolkata (Source: Wikimedia)

Esplanade Metro Rail Station Distance to Popular Landmarks

The Esplanade Metro Rail Station is conveniently situated close to several renowned destinations. If you wish to explore these places, the following list could be useful.

Hotels Near Esplanade Metro Station, Kolkata

There are choices galore when it comes to hotels near Esplanade Metro Station, Kolkata. The city will leave you spoilt for choice when it comes to finding the right accommodation for a staycation or a family holiday. You can get a taste of the vintage as well as contemporary décor and find a place that suits your budget. Below are a few hotels you could look up depending on the duration of your stay in the City of Joy.

Restaurants Near Esplanade Metro Rail Station, Kolkata

Whether your heart craves the quintessential Kolkata Biryani or authentic Chinese fare, the city is a food lovers’ delight. There are quite a few places you can head to any time of the day to satisfy your hunger pangs or taste the flavours the city has to offer. You could also unwind at a pub with your family and friends over a few drinks. Below is a list of places that could offer you a taste of Kolkata’s culinary delights.

Residential Societies near Esplanade Metro Rail Station, Kolkata

Some stunning Kolkata housing complexes may be seen in close proximity to the Esplanade Metro Rail Station. Here’s a look at some of these residential complexes:

• Navyom: This residential complex is located 8.4 km from the Esplanade Metro station. There are 10 towers housing 292 residential units. Possession will be available in August 2025. The residential complex is situated in the tony locality of New Alipore with a price range between INR 7500/square feet and INR 13560/sq. ft.

• Siddha Sky: This residential property is situated in Tangra in Central Kolkata. It is 5 km from the Esplanade Metro Rail Station. A total of 468 units are spread across 4 towers, and possession will be available from December 2022. The price per sq. ft ranges from INR 6997 to INR 8309.

• Merlin Pristine: This residential complex in Kolkata’s New Alipore is 8.4 km away from Esplanade Metro Station. There are 42 residential units in a single tower, and the price per sq. ft is between INR 6755-8486. Possession of the apartments will be available from September 2023.

Commercial Space for Rent/Sale Near Esplanade Metro Rail Station

Various commercial spaces near the Esplanade metro station are available for rent or sale. The price range varies on the proximity of the property to Esplanade Metro Rail Station. You can take these commercial spaces on lease or buy a property to run your office, showrooms, retail stores, or other commercial purposes.

Esplanade Metro Rail Station Parking Facilities

There are no designated parking facilities at the Esplanade Metro Station in Kolkata.

Conclusion to Esplanade Metro Rail Station 

Passenger footfall of Esplanade Metro Rail Station crosses 6 lakhs daily, making the Esplanade Metro Station one of the busiest ones in Kolkata. Not only does it cut down on travel time, but Esplanade Metro Station’s proximity to major tourist attractions in and around the city also makes it an essential interchange metro station for tourists and people residing there.

Kolkata Metro has travelled a long way beginning its journey in 1984. And Esplanade Metro Rail Station has emerged as the city’s lifeline by making the daily commute a hassle-free experience for everyone.