Kolkata Metro has confirmed special late-night metro services on the Blue Line and Green Line-2 for fans attending the IPL 2025 season opener between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens on March 22.
This arrangement follows a request from the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on behalf of KKR to ensure smooth and comfortable transportation for fans returning home after the match. With thousands of spectators expected at the stadium, Kolkata Metro authorities have implemented measures to prevent overcrowding and enhance convenience.
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Special Metro Services & Ticketing Details
The special metro services will operate from Esplanade station, covering important routes on both the Blue Line and Green Line-2.
🔹 Ticket Booking: Counters at Old Esplanade and New Esplanade Metro stations will remain open during this period for the sale of Smart Cards, Tokens, and Paper-Based QR Tickets.
🔹 Additional Charge: A surcharge of INR 10 per ticket will be applicable in addition to the regular fare.
🔵 Blue Line Special Services:
📍 Towards Dakshineswar – Departure: 00:15 hours | Arrival: 00:48 hours
📍 Towards Kavi Subhas – Departure: 00:15 hours | Arrival: 00:48 hours
🛑 Both services will stop at all stations along their respective routes.
🟢 Green Line-2 Special Service:
📍 Towards Howrah Maidan – Departure: 00:15 hours | Arrival: 00:23 hours
⚠️ Grim Weather Forecast for KKR vs RCB
Weather conditions could play spoilsport, as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rainfall in Kolkata leading up to March 22 due to an anticyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal.
🔸 The Regional Meteorological Centre has also issued an orange alert for parts of West Bengal from March 20 to March 22.
🔥 New Captains & Grand Opening Ceremony
The IPL 2025 opener will see new captains leading both teams:
✅ KKR Captain: Ajinkya Rahane (Venkatesh Iyer as vice-captain)
✅ RCB Captain: Rajat Patidar, replacing Faf du Plessis
🎤🎶 The opening match will feature a grand ceremony with performances by:
✨ Singer Shreya Ghoshal
✨ Rapper Karan Aujla
✨ Actress Disha Patani
With extended metro services, a thrilling opening game, and a star-studded ceremony, IPL 2025 is set to kick off in style!
