Kolkata rain live updates: Kolkata experienced a severe downpour lasting nearly seven hours from Monday night into early Tuesday morning. This intense rainfall has led to widespread waterlogging in many parts of the city and its surrounding areas, significantly disrupting traffic, public transportation, and daily activities. Authorities and residents are on alert as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted similar rainfall patterns for Kolkata and nearby regions around September 25, a critical time as community Durga Puja organizers prepare for the upcoming festivities.
A Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) official confirmed that emergency directives have been issued to operate drainage pumps to alleviate the waterlogging on the roads.
Key Disruptions Reported:
- Metro and Train Services: Extensive waterlogging on tracks caused major disruptions to train and Metro services. The Blue Line of the Metro, specifically the section between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar stations, experienced heavy flooding, leading to an immediate suspension of services on that stretch. Metro Railway Kolkata has also suspended services between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations for passenger safety, operating truncated services on other routes. Train services in the Sealdah south section were also affected, with limited operations in the north and main sections. Services on the Circular Railway line were halted due to waterlogging at Chitpur yard.
- Schools and Commuters: Many schools declared holidays in response to the heavy rains and submerged streets. Commuters and office-goers faced considerable difficulties in reaching their destinations due to the severe impact on public transport and worsening traffic congestion.
- Rainfall Intensity: The IMD has warned of a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall to several districts in South Bengal. Kolkata saw significant rainfall, with Garia Kamdahari recording 332 mm, Jodhpur Park 285 mm, Kalighat 280 mm, Topsia 275 mm, Ballygunge 264 mm, and Thantania in North Kolkata receiving 195 mm.
- Future Forecast: The weather office anticipates heavy rainfall in Purba and Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, Jhargram, and Bankura districts until Wednesday. An additional low-pressure system is expected to form over the east-central and adjoining north Bay of Bengal around September 25, potentially bringing more rain to the region.
Stay Updated:
- Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim reviewed the city’s rain situation from the KMC control room. (Source: Mayor office)
- Visuals show waterlogged conditions in South Kolkata.
- Durga Puja preparations are being affected, with artisans in Howrah racing against time.
- Emergency instructions are in place to run drainage pumps to clear roads.