Local train services resume early on Sealdah & Howrah routes

Local train services in Bengal resumed ahead of schedule on Friday morning after being temporarily suspended due to Cyclone Dana. The suspension was initially announced to last from 8 PM on Thursday until 10 AM on Friday. However, the Sealdah division confirmed that operations would restart at 9:50 AM, minimizing inconvenience for commuters.

Cyclone Dana made landfall late Thursday night near Dhamra and Bhitarkanika in Odisha, causing concerns for coastal regions in Bengal. While the cyclone brought heavy rains and strong winds, its effects on the state were less severe than anticipated, resulting in minor disruptions for local residents. Railway officials reported no significant damage to the tracks, which allowed local trains to operate normally from early Friday morning.

Key routes, including Sealdah to Namkhana, Sealdah to Diamond Harbour, and Howrah to Bardhaman, saw trains resuming service shortly after the announcement. Additionally, the Bandel-Katwa line resumed operations, providing much-needed connectivity for commuters. Despite the early resumption, passenger turnout was low as many people chose to remain home, concerned about potential aftereffects of the cyclone.

Some trains experienced delays of up to half an hour, leading to longer wait times at stations. Railway authorities are actively working to address these delays and normalize schedules across the network. Long-distance trains, including services to Bhubaneswar and Puri, are expected to operate on their regular schedule, with departures planned for after 12 PM. Continuous monitoring of weather conditions and railway infrastructure is in place to ensure safety and reliability in the coming days.