The Calcutta High Court directed the authorities of the Calcutta Metro to reconsider a representation seeking an extension of the last train timings. Responding to a plea, the court has urged the metro authorities to review the request, potentially aiming to address commuter needs and improve accessibility.
Kolkata: On 2nd May : The Calcutta High Court directed the Kolkata Metro railway authorities to consider a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking an extension of the last train’s departure time by approximately 45 minutes. The petitioner, represented by their lawyer, highlighted that the current last train on the popular north-south alignment in Kolkata departs from Dum Dum in the north and Kavi Subhash station in the south at 9.40 pm.
A division bench, led by Chief Justice T. S. Sivagnanam and comprising Justice Hiranmay Bhattacharyya, directed the Kolkata Metro authorities to carefully consider the representation made by the petitioner. The bench has requested the authorities evaluate the feasibility of extending the last train timings and provide a response to the petitioner within four weeks.
Comparatively, the lawyer argued that most other metro rail services throughout the country operate until around 11 pm, warranting an extension to better serve commuters. The court, acknowledging its limited jurisdiction over technical matters, requested the Kolkata Metro authorities to evaluate the feasibility of the request and respond to the petitioner within four weeks. Recognizing the potential benefits to commuters, the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court expressed support for the proposal.
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The Calcutta High Court issued a directive to the Kolkata Metro railway authorities, urging them to consider extending the operating hours of the last train in response to a public interest litigation (PIL). The PIL sought an extension of approximately 45 minutes to the departure time of the last train, which currently leaves Dum Dum in the north and Kavi Subhash station in the south at 9.40 pm.
The petitioner’s lawyer argued that most other metro rail services across the country operate until around 11 pm, making it inconvenient for commuters in Kolkata who rely on the metro system. The petitioner called for an extension of the last train times by 45 to 50 minutes to better accommodate the needs of the public.
While acknowledging that the decision regarding train schedules rests solely with the railway authorities, the court expressed its appreciation for the petitioner’s suggestion, deeming it beneficial for commuters. The court emphasized that it lacks the technical expertise to delve into the intricate aspects of train operations but encouraged the authorities to seriously consider the proposal in the interest of the public.
By urging the Kolkata Metro railway authorities to review the request for an extension of the last train timings, the Calcutta High Court has taken a step towards addressing the concerns of commuters. Extending the operating hours of the Kolkata Metro would provide commuters with a more convenient and reliable transportation option, aligning it with other metro rail services in the country.
