KOLKATA: The ongoing expansion of metro networks in urban areas is significantly reshaping the real estate market and influencing home buying trends, according to developers in Kolkata.
The introduction of new metro routes has notably decreased travel times, benefiting thousands of daily commuters. This enhanced connectivity is expected to spur the development of offices, healthcare, educational institutions, retail outlets, and entertainment venues in regions such as Howrah, Joka, and northern suburbs of Kolkata.
According to Credai West Bengal president Sushil Mohta, a prominent effect will be an increase in the office sector, particularly in Salt Lake Sector V, EM Bypass, New Town, and Rajarhat. “Sector V could become the new Dalhousie Square, while New Town may evolve into a new Park Street-Camac Street,” he remarked.
The city’s office market has already shown substantial growth in the first half of 2025, with a 60% year-on-year increase in leasing activities and a decade-high transaction volume of 1.4 million sq ft. Expectations for this year predict up to 2 million sq ft in office leases, fueled by a strong demand from domestic companies and global capability centers (GCCs) in sectors such as IT, banking, and finance.
Mahesh Agarwal, MD of Purti Realty, echoed these sentiments, noting that the metro lines will boost commercial development, resulting in office and retail spaces near new stations being highly desirable. Biplab Kumar, president of NK Realtors, pointed out that reduced travel times will enhance the appeal of previously less accessible areas for both homebuyers and developers. “This connectivity will not only increase property values but also unlock new land for development,” he stated.
“Take the Tollygunge-New Garia area’s growth during the Blue Line extension in the mid-2000s, or how Behala and Joka experienced similar trends with the Purple Line,” Kumar added. “The same will occur between Dum Dum and Barasat when the Yellow Line expansion ramp-ups. Additionally, reviving the proposed Pink Line between Baranagar and Barrackpore could activate dormant industrial lands in Sodepur, Kamarhati, and Titagarh.”
Credai Kolkata president Apurva Salarpuria added, “We look forward to improved connectivity to New Town and Bypass, which will significantly ease commutes for a large number of office workers, integrating New Town with the rest of Kolkata.”
While New Town consistently ranks as a top micro-market for home sales, once the Orange Line is extended to Haldiram’s on VIP Road, PS Group director Surendra Kumar Dugar expects a surge in both demand and property prices in the township. “Residents prefer planned townships with spacious apartments. Metro operations will greatly enhance connectivity, making it highly attractive,” he said.
Rameswar Prasad, director of Prasad Group, remains confident that upcoming metro expansions will elevate capital values and rental yields in regions like New Barrackpore, Madhyamgram, and Joka. “Mixed-use and transit-oriented developments (TOD) will gain momentum,” he added.
Most developers anticipate that the new metro lines will drive residential sales to new heights across Kolkata, especially in the suburbs where prices remain affordable, thus improving mobility. “Kolkata’s residential sector saw a significant boost in the first half of 2025, attributed to a 105% spike in new project launches and a strong demand for mid-range and luxury homes. This can be largely credited to the metro expansion. There will be a notable increase in new project launches in north Kolkata,” remarked Merlin Group MD Saket Mohta.
