Shahid Khudiram grunts under terminal Kavi Subhash's load
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Kolkata: The Shahid Khudiram Metro station has unexpectedly become prominent as the new southern terminus of the North-South corridor (Blue Line), following recent developments.
Despite its new status and the transfer of additional Metro staff, it is still ill-equipped for its enhanced role, according to stationed personnel. For instance, the station operates with only three security guards, with one now indisposed. The remaining two must manage multiple responsibilities, including passenger guidance, assistance with smart card machines, QR-coded ticket verification, and providing transport information.
The morning shift runs from 6 am to 2.30 pm, followed by a gap till 4 pm when the next guard's shift begins, ending at midnight. During the interim period, a sweeper temporarily assumes security duties.
Compared to Kavi Subhash's six booking counters, three windows are now functioning during peak hours at Shahid Khudiram, reducing to two during quieter periods. "We need more staff to handle passenger rush," a Metro employee said.
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The station superintendent was unavailable for comment since he was at Kazi Nazrul station in Garia Bazar. He was in charge of two smaller stations all this time. Now, he is handling a terminal station and the second last terminal station, Kazi Nazrul.
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Since Monday, Kavi Subhash station, which served as the Blue Line's southern terminus for 15 years, has been closed indefinitely due to expanding cracks on the columns supporting its Up platform for Dakshineswar-bound trains.
The Blue Line, stretching 32 km from Kavi Subhash to Dakshineswar along the city's north-south axis, has been essential to Kolkata's transport system since its inception in Oct 1984, with subsequent expansions.
The elevated Shahid Khudiram station began operations alongside Kavi Subhash terminal on Mahalaya on October 7, 2010, marking the Blue Line's final southern extension, which now serves approximately 6 lakh passengers daily.
Earlier, while Kavi Subhash station recorded 22,000-25,000 daily visitors, Shahid Khudiram station saw a modest footfall of less than 10,000. Over the last three days, its footfall has increased to around 20,000 during peak hours.
"People were barely aware of this station close to Dhalai Bridge in Garia. Many of my colleagues didn't even know that it has been named after freedom fighter Khudiram Bose. For riders, it was just one of the stations. It has suddenly become crucial for Metro commuters," said Sudakshina Sen, a govt schoolteacher and Sonarpur resident, who takes the Metro to travel to her workplace in Hazra.
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