Heavy overnight rain leaves Kolkata waterlogged, killing 5 and crippling Metro and train services. Schools shut, IMD warns of more rainfall in South Bengal districts.
Kolkata Struggles Under Torrential Rain
Kolkata came to a grinding halt on Tuesday as heavy overnight rainfall submerged large parts of the city, leaving residents stranded and transportation services in disarray. The relentless downpour caused severe waterlogging in several neighborhoods, disrupting daily life, halting Metro and train services, and prompting schools to declare a holiday.
The rain also turned deadly—five lives were lost in separate incidents reported from Beniapukur, Kalikapur, Netaji Nagar, Gariahat, and Ekbalpur, according to officials.
City Under Water: Streets, Homes Flooded
The rainfall, which began past midnight, inundated roads and seeped into homes and residential complexes, forcing people to wade through knee-deep water. Southern and eastern parts of the city were the worst hit, with rainfall figures touching unprecedented levels.
- Garia Kamdahari: 332 mm
- Jodhpur Park: 285 mm
- Kalighat: 280 mm
- Topsia: 275 mm
- Ballygunge: 264 mm
- Thantania (North Kolkata): 195 mm
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) described it as one of the heaviest spells of rain in recent memory.
Metro and Train Services Thrown Off Track
Public transport bore the brunt of the deluge. Metro services on the Blue Line (Dakshineswar–Shahid Khudiram) were severely affected due to waterlogging between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar stations.
To ensure passenger safety, Metro authorities suspended operations between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations, while truncated services were run on other stretches.
Eastern Railway reported massive disruptions as well:
- Train movement in the Sealdah South section was suspended.
- Skeleton services ran in the Sealdah North and Main sections.
- Services to and from Howrah and Kolkata terminals were partially hit.
- The Circular Railway line was shut down due to waterlogging at Chitpur yard.
Schools Closed, Offices Affected
With streets flooded and traffic snarled, several schools declared a holiday. Office-goers faced long delays, many stranded without access to public transport. “It felt like the city had come to a standstill. Even autos and buses were off the roads,” a commuter from Ballygunge said.
Weather Department’s Warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has cautioned that the situation may worsen, with a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal expected to bring more rain to South Bengal districts.
Heavy rainfall is likely in Purba and Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura through Wednesday. Another fresh low-pressure area is predicted to form over the east-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around September 25, raising concerns about prolonged disruption.
City Authorities on Alert
Kolkata Municipal Corporation teams and disaster management officials are working round the clock to pump out water and restore normalcy. The state administration has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel until the situation stabilizes.
Despite efforts, residents remain anxious as weather forecasts hint at further heavy downpours.
Key Highlights
- 5 dead in rain-related incidents across Kolkata.
- Metro and train services suspended or partially disrupted.
- 332 mm rainfall recorded in Garia Kamdahari, among highest in city.
- Schools closed due to waterlogging and traffic breakdown.
- IMD warns of more rain in South Bengal districts till Wednesday.
Summary
Kolkata is battling one of its worst rain spells in recent years, with five deaths, flooded homes, and crippled transport services. Metro, trains, and roadways remain disrupted, while schools shut doors and offices struggled to function. With IMD predicting more rain, authorities remain on high alert as the city braces for fresh challenges in the coming days.