Signal failure at Majerhat disrupts Sealdah south trains on Higher Secondary exam day

A signal failure at Majerhat station disrupted train services on the Sealdah South section on Monday morning, coinciding with the first day of the Higher Secondary examinations. The issue was detected at 7:35 AM, causing a halt in train movement. Eastern Railway switched to manual signaling to keep services running, but trains moved at a reduced speed, leading to delays. Normal operations resumed after repairs were completed at 8:48 AM.

The disruption affected peak-hour commuters, including thousands of students traveling to exam centers. Trains remained stranded at multiple stations, forcing examinees to seek alternative transport or arrive late. The dense train schedule led to congestion, with services running in a backlogged sequence even after restoration. Several passengers expressed frustration over the delays, especially on a crucial exam day.

Authorities worked to restore normalcy quickly, deploying technical teams to resolve the malfunction. The issue was isolated to Majerhat station, but its impact was widespread across the Sealdah South corridor. No official statement was issued on the cause of the failure. However, railway officials confirmed that the manual signaling system remained in place until the issue was resolved.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Traffic Police enforced special traffic restrictions to ease student movement. From 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, all goods vehicles were banned from key city roads, except for essential supplies like fuel, oxygen, milk, and medicines, which were allowed entry until 8:00 AM. Officers stationed near exam centers were given full control over diversions to prevent congestion and ensure smooth passage for candidates.

The Higher Secondary exams will continue until March 18, with papers scheduled from 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM. Authorities are monitoring the railway network and traffic conditions to prevent further disruptions during the exam period.