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International Kolkata Book Fair 2026: Metro, cab and bus routes simplified

The fair celebrates the 100-year legacy of Tagore & Victoria Ocampo.

2 min readKolkataUpdated: Jan 23, 2026 07:50 PM IST

The 2026 International Kolkata Book Fair features Argentina as the focal theme country.(Credits: Unsplash)

The 2026 International Kolkata Book Fair is set to be a bibliophile’s dream, with the fairground at Boimela Prangan, Salt Lake, now connected by a seamless Metro line from Howrah.

The fair features Argentina as the focal theme country, celebrating the 100-year legacy of Tagore & Victoria Ocampo.

The event runs from January 22 to February 3 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Here’s your guide to navigating the fair with ease.

Metro Route:

The Green Line (Line 2) now runs from Howrah Maidan to Salt Lake Sector V without changing lines, making it easier to reach the fair. Choose your station based on your destination:

– Karunamoyee Metro Station: Best for Gates 8 and 9 (2-minute walk)

– Central Park Metro Station: Ideal for Gates 1 and 2 (0.6 km away)

Fair-Special Services:

– Extended hours: Last Metro service departs around 10:00 PM

– Skip the queue: Special Metro ticket booth inside the fairground (between Gates 1 and 2). Visitors can book tickets via UPI

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– Increased frequency: Trains run at 12-minute intervals during peak hours

Surface Transport & App-Cabs:

– Special Bus Services (WBTC) from Karunamoyee Terminus to major points: Howrah, Sealdah, Barrackpore, Barasat, Garia, and Santragachi.

– Special AC Buses: Look for services like VS12 (Santragachi) and AC59 (Howrah Station).

For real-time tracking, book lovers can follow “Kolkata bus-o-pedia” on Facebook or Instagram.

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App-Cab Kiosks

If you prefer a private ride, dedicated kiosks are situated just outside Gate Number 1.
Kiosks available: Ola, Uber, Rapido, and Yatri Sathi.

A special assistance booth is located near Gate Number 2 for any navigation or safety queries.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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