Farakka track subsidence forces cancellation of several trains to North Bengal

Heavy flooding caused the land beneath railway tracks near Farraka in Murshidabad district to subside, severely disrupting train connectivity to north Bengal and beyond. This land subsidence led to the cancellation of numerous trains and the diversion of a few, causing significant inconvenience for passengers. The situation worsened as electric lines, signaling systems, and the tracks themselves were affected by the subsidence, making restoration efforts even more challenging.

Divisional Railway Manager Rajeev Saxena stated that teams were working tirelessly to restore the lines, but most trains to and from north Bengal remained cancelled as of Friday, September 4, 2026. Trains such as the Uttarbanga Express, Kanchankanya Express, Darjeeling Mail, and several others were among those cancelled, with many expected to remain so until Saturday.

The cancellation has placed a considerable burden on the bus system, with passengers often opting for bus travel instead. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari convened an emergency meeting to address the crisis, providing food and drinking water to those stranded on trains in Malda and Murshidabad. He instructed district magistrates to ensure that passengers were not subjected to unreasonable fare hikes during the disruption.

The railways have been issuing refunds for cancelled tickets and the transport department has allocated additional buses, with 23 buses added for the Kolkata-Siliguri route on Friday and six on Thursday. These measures are aimed at mitigating the impact of the disruptions on passengers and ensuring their safety and comfort during this challenging time.