Power snag shuts down Kolkata Metro's Blue Line between Tollygunge and Maidan

Commuters in Kolkata faced a nightmare on Tuesday morning as a technical snag crippled the Blue Line, the city’s primary metro corridor. The disruption began at approximately 7:30 a.m. when a sudden power failure occurred between Rabindra Sadan and Netaji Bhavan stations. This resulted in the total suspension of services between Mahanayak Uttamkumar (Tollygunge) and Maidan, cutting off a crucial north-south link during the busiest part of the day.

The situation turned tense when a train got stuck inside the dark tunnel due to the sudden loss of electricity. Passengers reported moments of panic as the lighting and air conditioning systems failed. However, the Metro authorities acted swiftly, launching a rescue operation to evacuate all passengers safely to the Netaji Bhavan station platform. No injuries were reported, but the incident caused significant anxiety among those trapped underground.

For over an hour, the Metro ran truncated services in two loops: from Dakshineswar to Maidan and from Kavi Subhash to Mahanayak Uttamkumar. The sudden vacuum in the middle of the city's transport spine led to chaotic scenes at surface level. Bus stops were overcrowded, and app-based cabs saw massive fare surges as desperate commuters tried to reach their workplaces. Many office-goers were seen walking long distances to find alternative transportation.

After technical teams worked on the power supply issue, the Metro authorities announced that full services on the Blue Line resumed at 8:46 a.m. While the trains are now running, the delay has left a ripple effect on the schedule, with platforms remaining overcrowded throughout the morning. An internal inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the sudden power trip in the tunnel section to prevent future recurrences.