Kolkata Rains Cause Traffic Chaos and Metro Disruptions Ahead of Durga Puja
Heavy rains in Kolkata have triggered widespread waterlogging, traffic snarls, and metro service disruptions just days before Durga Puja celebrations. With the Indian Meteorological Department predicting more showers tonight and tomorrow, residents and puja organisers across South Kolkata, Salt Lake, and Howrah brace for further delays and damage. This article explores the full impact of the rainfall, emergency responses, and what to expect next.
Rainfall Timeline: What Happened and When
Kolkata was hit by relentless rain for nearly seven hours from Monday night into early Tuesday morning. Areas like Garia Kamdahari and Jodhpur Park recorded over 300 mm of rainfall. The downpour was caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, which continues to hover over South 24 Parganas and surrounding districts.
Topic Keywords: Kolkata rainfall, Bay of Bengal low-pressure, IMD forecast
Geo Long-Tail Keywords: heavy rain in South Kolkata, rainfall in Salt Lake Kolkata, weather update for Howrah
Traffic Mayhem: Waterlogged Roads and Gridlock
From Ballygunge to Behala, commuters faced knee-deep water and hours-long traffic jams. Major intersections like Park Circus, Esplanade, and EM Bypass were flooded, forcing vehicles to stall and reroute. School buses were delayed, and many offices reported low attendance due to impassable roads.
Topic Keywords: Kolkata traffic jam, waterlogging, road closures
Geo Long-Tail Keywords: traffic chaos in Ballygunge, waterlogged roads near Park Circus, EM Bypass flooding update
Metro Services Hit: Blue Line Disruptions
Metro services on the Blue Line were suspended between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations due to waterlogging on tracks. Although services resumed by Tuesday evening, the disruption caused massive delays for daily commuters. Officials are monitoring the situation closely, with contingency plans in place for further rainfall.
Topic Keywords: Kolkata Metro delay, Blue Line suspension, metro waterlogging
Geo Long-Tail Keywords: metro service update in Shahid Khudiram, Maidan station metro delay, Kolkata Metro Blue Line status
Schools Shut, Flights Cancelled: Ripple Effects Across the City
At least 30 flights were cancelled at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport due to poor visibility and runway flooding. Schools across the city declared emergency holidays, and several trains were rescheduled at Howrah Station. The ripple effect of the rain has disrupted nearly every aspect of daily life.
Topic Keywords: Kolkata school closures, flight cancellations, train delays
Geo Long-Tail Keywords: flight status at Kolkata airport, school holiday in South Kolkata, train reschedule at Howrah Station
Durga Puja Preparations Delayed: Marquees Damaged
Artisans and organisers working on Durga Puja pandals in areas like Ekbalpur, Kalikapur, and Tollygunge reported severe damage to decorations and structures. Idol inaugurations were postponed, and many marquees were flooded, delaying final touches and lighting setups.
Topic Keywords: Durga Puja pandal damage, idol inauguration delay, puja preparation issues
Geo Long-Tail Keywords: Durga Puja pandal damage in Ekbalpur, Kalikapur marquee flooding, Tollygunge Puja delay
Safety Concerns: Electrocution and Emergency Protocols
Tragically, ten people lost their lives in rain-related incidents, including electrocution cases in Ballygunge and Kalikapur. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has activated emergency drainage protocols and issued advisories to avoid contact with submerged electrical infrastructure.
Topic Keywords: rain-related deaths, electrocution risk, emergency response
Geo Long-Tail Keywords: electrocution in Ballygunge, rain fatalities in Kalikapur, KMC emergency drainage update
Weather Forecast: What to Expect Tonight and Tomorrow
The IMD predicts continued cloudy skies with intermittent showers and thunderstorms through September 25 and 26. Gusty winds and lightning are expected, especially in Purba Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, and Bankura. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
Topic Keywords: Kolkata weather forecast, IMD prediction, thunderstorm alert
Geo Long-Tail Keywords: weather forecast for Purba Medinipur, storm alert in South 24 Parganas, Bankura rainfall prediction
Government Response: What’s Being Done
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed condolences and announced compensation and job support for affected families. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation is running drainage pumps continuously and coordinating with CESC to prevent further electrocution risks. Puja organisers are being advised to reinforce marquees and delay public events if needed.
Topic Keywords: Mamata Banerjee statement, KMC action plan, emergency compensation
Geo Long-Tail Keywords: Mamata Banerjee rain response, KMC drainage update, CESC safety advisory
Coping with the Chaos: Tips for Residents
- Use real-time traffic apps like Google Maps or Kolkata Traffic Police updates before heading out.
- Avoid low-lying areas like Dhakuria, Ultadanga, and Rajarhat during peak rainfall.
- Keep emergency contacts and power backup ready, especially in areas prone to outages.
- Stay updated via IMD alerts and local news channels for weather changes.
Topic Keywords: rain safety tips, traffic navigation, emergency preparedness
Geo Long-Tail Keywords: safe routes in Dhakuria, rain alerts for Ultadanga, Rajarhat power outage tips
Final Thoughts: Durga Puja Spirit Amid the Storm
Despite the chaos, Kolkata’s spirit remains unshaken. Puja organisers, volunteers, and residents are working together to restore pandals, clear roads, and ensure safety. With resilience and community support, the city hopes to celebrate Durga Puja with joy—even if the skies don’t cooperate.
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