Kolkata Connectivity

Kolkata being the commercial city of  India and one of the four metropolises is well connected to other parts of India and abroad. You will amazed to see the robust transportation system in Kolkata city which plays important role in regulating the daily life of the city. For local public  it has broad network of metro rails, trams, private buses. Kolkata’s metro rail system is one of the oldest underground railway systems of the world. As far the connectivity to other parts of the country is concerned, the city has all modern means that keeps it connected to other parts of India and globe.

Kolkata has an international airport known as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport which is located at Dum Dum . It is approximately 18 Kms from the center of the city. The airport operates both domestic and international flights. Major cities of the world are connected to Kolkata with regular flights. Domestic airlines like  Indigo, Jet,  Alliance Air, Air Sahara, Spice jet, Deccan Airlines, Kingfisher Airlines links it to major parts of the country.

Kolkata has a well maintained railway network connecting major parts of the country. The city is the headquarters of two railway divisions – the Eastern Railways and the South Eastern Railways. The city has two major railway stations; the Howrah Railway Station  and the Sealdah Station. Shalimar Station and Chitpur  Station are new entrants in the list of Railway stations in Kolkata. The metro railway, first of its kind in South Asia is a wonderful mode of local transportation.

Since Howrah and Sealdah are under separate rail networks, do remember to check which station you need to board your train from, while buying your ticket. Local trains are also available from both the stations for traveling to different parts of West Bengal.
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Kolkata is well connected with road to other parts of the country. Travel to popular tourist destination via roadways.The Dharmatala/Esplanade Bus Terminus, Babughat Bus Terminus are main  terminus in  the city serving the purpose of tourists and travelers. Compared to other parts of India, Kolkata road transport services are much flexible and smooth. Calcutta State Transport Corporation (CSTC), North Bengal State Transport Corporation (NBSTC) & South Bengal State Transport Corporation (SBSTC), are the major operator of bus services in Kolkata and West Bengal.

Buses from Orissa and Bihar ply regularly to Kolkata and vice versa . Buses are also available to nearby towns, especially if you wish to visit Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri . Bus stands at Chowringhee Road and Babu Ghat near Fort William are the main transit points. The road transportation will be more convenient as the proposed four lane express highway will connect with Chennai.

Buses, both privately owned and government run are equally favored by the commuters of Kolkata. The government run buses are easily identified as you will find the symbols like CSTC or WBSTC on the bodies. The route and destination names are also written on the Government Corporation run buses. Luxurious air conditioned buses are also available in the city. Tram service is the most sought after transportation medium at a low cost. Yellow colored taxis are available if someone wants a taxi safari of the metropolis by saving his time. Besides that rickshaw and auto-rickshaw services are the conventional way of transportation for short distance coverage.

Ferry service will give you the delight of traveling through aqua routes of the River Hooghly . You can find number of ships ferrying people to adjoining parts of Kolkata. Most of the shipping companies offer exciting packages to nearby Sunderban forest. Enjoy the picture view of   mangrove forests, lush Sundari trees,winding rivers,crocodiles, long-tailed monkeys, spotted deer, and other creatures of forests. You will certainly enjoy your trip while traveling to this beautiful part of Bengal.