The Kolkata Metro will reopen on Friday, despite the West Bengal government’s decision to extend Covid-19 curbs until July 30.
“Metro railway service shall operate five days a week with 50% seating capacity and shall remain suspended on Saturdays and Sundays,” stated an order issued by the state’s chief secretary on Wednesday.
Kolkata Metro officials said that while 192 trains will run between Kavi Subhash and Dakshineshwar on the north-south route, 48 services will run on the east-west corridor beginning July 16 for the general public. The service was scheduled to start at 8 a.m. and end at 8 p.m.
“Metro Smart Cards which expired on or between May 15 and July 15 will be treated as valid till August 16,” said an official. The local train services, however, will remain suspended till July 30.
Shops and markets have now been given permission to stay open all day, according to the latest order. Shops within shopping malls may also remain open, but with a 50 percent workforce and visitor capacity. Instead of closing at 2 p.m., banks can now stay open until 3 p.m.
Meanwhile, despite the administration’s decision to allow buses to operate beginning July 1, over 95 percent of private buses remained off the road. Bus associations have also demanded a fare increase to compensate for the losses incurred as a result of the increase in fuel prices.
