Kolkata rains: Train and metro services hit, traffic halted, schools shut ahead of Durga Pujo holidays

West Bengal's Kolkata woke up to another rain-soaked morning on Tuesday, as relentless showers have halted traffic and forced the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to shut schools and colleges.

At least 4 people have died of electrocution ahead of the (Durga) Pujo holidays, which has further dampened the Navratri spirit in the state.

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Several areas in and around Kolkata—including Jadavpur, Howrah City, Salt Lake, Baghajatin, and Golf Green—saw knee-deep waterlogging.

As a result, train services at the Howrah Station Yard, Circular Railway Line, and the Sealdah South station have been suspended, in addition to the Laxmi Kantpur, Diamond Harbour and Canning stations. Railway lines near the Park Circus station are also getting waterlogged fast.

The Hazarduari Express from Kolkata (13113) and the Sealdah-Jangipur Road Express (13177) are among the rail services that have been cancelled.

Metro services on the Blue Line have generally been affected, with the stretch between the Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations particularly affected—and  closed since Tuesday morning.

From Maniktala to Mudiyali, the rainwater is now knee-deep, halting traffic  and severely paralysing the state's public transport.

In that regard, the Kolkata Traffic Police has posted a list of waterlogged roads facing heavy traffic. Commuters from Noapara, Akankha and Srachchi have been advised to take the VIP Road via Route 211 to reach Kolkata.

Due to the downpour, all Calcutta University exams have been postponed. This comes in addition to several private and government school closures.

Due to a low-pressure area developing over northeast Bay of Bengal, the IMD has predicted further heavy rain across the state, especially in several south Bengal districts.