September 23,2025
WebdeskHeavy overnight rains brought Kolkata to a standstill on Tuesday, leaving at least nine people dead, most of them due to electrocution. Streets, railway tracks, and even Metro lines were flooded, severely disrupting transport and daily life. The downpour also struck in the middle of Durga Puja preparations, with organisers struggling to protect pandals from damage.
Several key neighbourhoods, including Lake Market, Rashbehari, Thanthania, Patuli, Santoshpur Avenue, Park Circus, Nagerbazar, and Bosepukur Talbagan, were hit by knee-to-waist-deep water. At Thanthania, water levels rose waist-high, while pandals in Bosepukur Talbagan were submerged after nearly five hours of continuous rainfall. Many schools cancelled classes and pool car services, while several offices asked employees to work from home.
The railway network was among the worst affected. Both Howrah and Sealdah yards and car sheds were submerged, forcing the Eastern Railway to cancel several services. Suburban operations were hit hard, with Sealdah South and Circular Railway lines fully suspended. Major trains, including the Hazarduari Express and the Sealdah-Jangipur Express, were cancelled due to waterlogging.
With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting more showers in the coming days, residents are bracing for further disruptions. Authorities have urged citizens to avoid waterlogged areas, while emergency teams remain on high alert as the city struggles to cope with the crisis.
