The Calcutta Metro Railway (Operation and Maintenance) Temporary Provisions Act, 1985
Parliament enacted the Calcutta Metro Railway (Operation and Maintenance) Temporary Provisions Act, 1985, Act No. 10 of 1985, dated 16 February 1985, to provide temporarily for operating and maintaining the Calcutta metro railway. It is deemed effective from 22 October 1984, applies only to metropolitan Calcutta, and the text as on 19 June 2026 reflects amendments made by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
What the law governs
The Calcutta Metro Railway (Operation and Maintenance) Temporary Provisions Act, 1985 makes temporary arrangements for operating and maintaining the Calcutta metro railway until regular arrangements are made. The Calcutta metro railway administration, meaning the General Manager appointed under the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978, is responsible for those functions and may appoint necessary officers and employees.
The law applies only to metropolitan Calcutta. It does not govern land or metro operations in Tamil Nadu.
Land and infrastructure covered
The Calcutta Metro Railway (Operation and Maintenance) Temporary Provisions Act, 1985 defines the metro railway broadly. It includes:
- Land within boundary marks showing the limits of land attached to the metro railway.
- Railway lines, sidings, yards and branches used for metro purposes.
- Stations, offices, ventilation shafts and ducts.
- Warehouses, workshops, manufacturing facilities, fixed plant and machinery, sheds, depots and related works.
This definition may be relevant to anyone dealing with property within marked Calcutta metro railway boundaries, but the source creates no Tamil Nadu land procedure.
Opening and operation
The Calcutta Metro Railway (Operation and Maintenance) Temporary Provisions Act, 1985 requires prior Central Government approval before the metro railway opens for public passenger carriage. The Central Government must consider the commissioner's report and public safety. Approval may carry conditions, and operations cannot begin until those conditions are fulfilled to the Central Government's satisfaction.
Passenger conduct and enforcement
The Calcutta Metro Railway (Operation and Maintenance) Temporary Provisions Act, 1985 provides that:
- Passengers may carry only small personal baggage within prescribed volume and weight limits.
- Dangerous or offensive goods are prohibited, and officials may inspect suspected packages.
- Smoking is prohibited in metro carriages and underground stations.
- Intoxication causing annoyance, nuisance, indecent conduct, abusive language and interference with passenger amenities may lead to removal or punishment.
- Demonstrations, unauthorised posters, writing and drawing are prohibited on metro premises.
- Unauthorised entry into metro property and walking on metro railway lines are prohibited.
- Unsafe conduct, including travelling on a train roof or in areas not intended for passengers, is punishable.
The text as on 19 June 2026 records amendments by the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, including substituted provisions on smoking, drunkenness or nuisance, and unauthorised entry.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Does this law apply to property in Tamil Nadu?
No. The Calcutta Metro Railway (Operation and Maintenance) Temporary Provisions Act, 1985 applies to metropolitan Calcutta.
Can land form part of the Calcutta metro railway under this law?
Yes. The definition includes all land within boundary marks indicating the limits of land attached to the metro railway.
Who is responsible for operating and maintaining the Calcutta metro railway?
The Calcutta metro railway administration is responsible. The law defines that administration as the General Manager of the metro railway appointed under the Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978.
Can the Calcutta metro open to passengers without Central Government approval?
No. Prior Central Government approval is required, and any safety conditions attached to that approval must be fulfilled before the railway is worked or used.
