Repair work was underway after the railway track near New Farakka station was affected by soil subsidence, but another landslide-like subsidence occurred along the tracks on Thursday night, raising fresh concerns for railway authorities.
Train services on the Up line remain largely suspended, while only a limited number of trains are being operated on the Down line. Several long-distance trains, including the Howrah–New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, have been cancelled on Friday.
Fresh subsidence disrupts train services again
The soil beneath the railway tracks near New Farakka station had caved in on Thursday, disrupting train movement. Railway authorities immediately began repair work, but train operations on the Up line remain effectively suspended.
Although a limited number of trains were operated in both directions using the Down line after Thursday afternoon, most trains were cancelled in the interest of passenger safety.
The situation became more challenging after fresh subsidence was reported along the railway track area near New Farakka on Thursday night.
Vande Bharat among trains cancelled
Several trains connecting South Bengal with North Bengal have been cancelled on Friday due to the disruption.
The cancelled trains include the Howrah–New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, Howrah–Balurghat Express, Howrah–Radhikapur Kulik Express and New Jalpaiguri–Howrah Vande Bharat Express.
Some trains have been diverted through alternative routes, including Nalhati–Azimganj–New Farakka.
The Digha–Malda Town Express has also been curtailed and terminated at Rampurhat. According to railway authorities, the affected section will remain closed until it is declared completely safe and free from the risk of further subsidence.
150 workers deployed for repairs
Railway engineers are supervising repair operations, with around 150 workers working on a war footing to restore the damaged section.
Stone chips and crushed stone are being placed beneath the tracks to raise and stabilise the sunken soil. However, the repair operation itself has been complicated by another subsidence near the bank of a pond adjacent to the railway line. The impact caused an electric pole beside the track to tilt to one side.
A freight train carrying stone chips and crushed stone was brought from Jharkhand to assist with the repair work.
Railway officials believe it could take another two to three days for train services on the Up line to return to normal.
Major railway junction faces disruption
New Farakka Junction is a crucial railway link connecting North Bengal with parts of Bihar and Jharkhand. The disruption has therefore affected several long-distance train services operating through the route.
Several trains were cancelled on Thursday, including the Sealdah–Balurghat Express, Haat Bazaar Express, Gaur Express and Kolkata–Radhikapur Express. More cancellations have been announced for Friday. Railway authorities have also diverted some trains through alternative routes to reduce the impact of the disruption.
Passengers turn to buses amid disruption
With rail connectivity between South Bengal and North Bengal severely affected, many passengers are turning to buses to reach their destinations. Passengers have reportedly struggled to secure tickets on government buses and are being forced to look for private alternatives. Some commuters have alleged that private bus operators have increased ticket prices overnight, taking advantage of the disruption.
Eastern Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Shibram Majhi said repair work was being carried out on a priority basis. “This is a very important route. Train services will resume only after adequate safety is ensured,” he said.
