Heavy rain in Kolkata causes waterlogging, metro services disrupted; schools closed, IndiGo issues advisory
Heavy rain in Kolkata causes waterlogging. Metro services are suspended, IndiGo has issued a travel advisory, and schools have declared a holiday as authorities work to manage the situation.
Life in Kolkata and nearby areas came to a near halt on Tuesday as very heavy overnight rainfall caused widespread flooding, disrupting traffic, public transport, and daily activities. Train and Metro Railway services across the city and suburbs were affected due to waterlogging on the tracks, officials said.
The rain, which began past midnight, caused water to enter many homes and residential complexes, while streets in several areas were submerged.
Significant waterlogging was reported on the mid-section of the Blue Line (Dakshineswar–Shahid Khudiram), especially between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar stations. This prompted the immediate suspension of Metro services on this stretch.
A spokesperson for Metro Railway Kolkata said, “To ensure passengers’ safety, services have been suspended between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations since the morning.”
He added, “Truncated services are being run between Dakshineswar and Maidan stations. Normal services are expected to resume soon.”
Owing to waterlogging of tracks, train movement in the Sealdah south section has been suspended, while skeleton services are being run in the Sealdah north and main sections, an Eastern Railway official said.
Train services have been partially affected to and from Howrah and Kolkata terminal stations of Eastern Railway as tracks got waterlogged owing to heavy downpour, he said.
Read | ‘Carry an umbrella during Durga Puja,’ IMD issues rain & thunderstorm alert for Kolkata till Dashami
Train movement in the Circular Railway line has also been suspended due to waterlogging at Chitpur yard, he added.
What Is IndiGo's Travel Advisory?
IndiGo has informed passengers about disruptions due to heavy rainfall in Kolkata. The airline said: “Some routes across #Kolkata have been impacted by heavy rain, leading to temporary blocks or diversions. We recommend planning your journey accordingly, and leave with a bit of extra time in hand.
Please keep a tab on your flight status via our app or website before heading out.
Our teams are working proactively to reduce any inconvenience and help you on your way.
Thank you for your patience. We are here with you, every step of the way.”
Are Schools Closed in Kolkata Due to Rain?
Amid torrential rains, schools in Kolkata have been ordered to remain closed today.
IMD Predicts Heavy Rain in Kolkata
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday forecast that a low-pressure trough might move northwards over Kolkata and the South 24 Parganas district, bringing heavy rainfall within the next 24 hours.
The weather office also warned that similar showers could affect Kolkata and the surrounding areas around September 25, prompting many community puja organisers to stay on alert.
“We have received emergency instructions to run drainage pumps to clear the roads,” a Kolkata Municipal Corporation official said.