Kolkata Metro arranges special services for IPL 2025 opener

Kolkata Metro has announced special late-night services on the Blue Line and Green Line-2 for the opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at Eden Gardens between defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Saturday, March 22. This arrangement has been made to provide comfortable transportation for fans attending the game.

The decision to operate extended metro services came after a request made by the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) on behalf of KKR. Given the number of spectators expected at the Eden Gardens, authorities have taken strict measures to prevent overcrowding and provide smooth transport options for fans returning home late at night. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: KKR vs RCB, Match 1 – Eden Gardens today weather forecast & pitch report

The special metro services will be available from Esplanade station on both the Blue Line and Green Line-2, covering important routes to accommodate fans returning home from the stadium. 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. However, a surcharge of INR 10 per ticket will be applicable in addition to the regular fare. 

Blue Line Special Services:

Towards Dakshineswar: A special metro (Spl.1) will depart from Esplanade at 00:15 hours and reach Dakshineswar at 00:48 hours.

Towards Kavi Subhas: Another special metro (Spl.2) will leave Esplanade at 00:15 hours and arrive at Kavi Subhas at 00:48 hours. Both services will stop at all stations along their respective routes.

Green Line-2 Special Service:

Towards Howrah Maidan: A single special train (Spl.1) will operate from Esplanade at 00:15 hours and reach Howrah Maidan at 00:23 hours.

Grim weather forecast for KKR vs RCB

Meanwhile, weather conditions might play a spoilsport in the season opener. 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.

Interestingly, both KKR and RCB will be led by new captains. KKR has appointed Ajinkya Rahane as their skipper with Venkatesh Iyer as his deputy, while Rajat Patidar will be leading RCB replacing Faf du Plessis. Furthermore, the opening match will begin with a grand ceremony featuring popular singer Shreya Ghoshal, rapper Karan Aujla, and actress Disha Patani.