Kolkata's chakrarail line submerged, disrupting rail services amid heavy rain

Heavy rains in Kolkata have led to the submersion of the Chakrarail (Circular Rail) line, causing significant disruptions in rail services. The situation has worsened due to the sinking of the railway line, with water levels rising to one and a half feet in some areas. As a result, rail services are frequently halted.

Eastern Railway has responded by deploying pumps to drain the water from the tracks. However, despite their efforts, the water continues to accumulate, as it flows back from the surrounding areas. The root cause of this persistent issue appears to be the poor drainage system in the vicinity, which fails to effectively manage the overflow.

The worst-affected area is near the Kolkata Terminal, where both Common Line-1 and Common Line-2 are submerged. The situation is exacerbated when the nearby Keshtopur canal overflows during high tide, further flooding the railway lines. The same problem is evident under Bridge No. 20 in the Dakshindari area, where nearby ponds overflow during heavy rains, causing the railway line to sink.

In the Malighat area, water accumulation on the Chakrarail line has also led to sinking tracks. To combat the problem, authorities have installed two electric pumps, two additional pumps, and one diesel pump. Despite these efforts, the flooding persists, leaving rail services severely disrupted.