Train Services Disrupted in West Bengal Due to Land Subsidence at Farakka

Train services between Kolkata and north Bengal have been disrupted after land subsidence occurred beneath the tracks at Farakka in the Eastern Railway’s Malda division. Heavy rain initially damaged the tracks on Thursday, and while repair work was underway, fresh subsidence occurred on Friday along an 80 meter stretch. This second incident disrupted the repair process and affected the signaling system by tilting poles along the tracks.

Railway officials confirmed that approximately ten trains from Sealdah were cancelled as of Friday afternoon. The list of affected services includes the Kanchangunga Express, Kanchan Kanya Express, Gour Express, Darjeeling Mail, New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, New Alipurduar Teesta Torsa Express, Sealdah Agartala Express, Balurghat Express, Padatik Express, Uttar Banga Express, Malda Sahibganj Passenger, and the Kolkata Radhikapur Express. Divisional railway manager Rajeev Saxena advised passengers to check train statuses and noted that ticket refunds would be provided.

In response to the crisis, Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari called an emergency meeting. The transport department is deploying 20 additional buses along the north Bengal route, and district magistrates in Murshidabad and Malda have been instructed to provide food, water, and accommodation to stranded passengers.