Kolkata faced significant commuter challenges on Wednesday as disruptions in the suburban railway network led to over 100 train cancellations across the Eastern Railway’s Sealdah and Howrah divisions. Despite a city-wide bandh, those commuting by road or metro experienced minimal difficulties, highlighting a stark contrast in the city’s transit dynamics.
Suburban train services, which are a lifeline for thousands of daily commuters, were severely impacted by blockages reported at multiple key locations. The Sealdah-Barrackpore section was particularly affected, with obstructions at stations such as Barrackpore and Belgharia causing significant delays and cancellations. In addition, disruptions were reported at Barasat, Bamangachi, Habra, Bangaon, Maslandapur, Thakurnagar, and Duttapukur in the Bangaon-Barasat and Barasat-Basirhat sections, as well as at Sonarpur station on the Canning-Sonarpur line. An official from Eastern Railway confirmed the scale of the disruption, noting that “the blockages severely hampered the normal functioning of the train services throughout the day.” This widespread disruption forced the cancellation of 100 EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) locals, significantly impacting the daily routines of commuters relying on these services for their transportation needs.
While the suburban railway network struggled, other modes of transportation in Kolkata remained largely unaffected. The city’s metro service maintained its full schedule, operating the regular 288 weekday services without any interruptions. In addition, approximately 70% of buses were operational, providing alternative travel options for those who typically rely on suburban trains. App-based cab services also functioned smoothly, offering rides at standard fares, which further cushioned the impact of the rail disruptions for some commuters. The stark difference in the reliability of various transport modes underscores the need for an integrated approach to urban mobility in Kolkata, especially during times of service disruption. As the city expands and the demand for efficient and reliable public transportation grows, these recent disruptions highlight the vulnerability of relying heavily on a single mode of transit, particularly in a metropolis as vast and densely populated as Kolkata.
