Land subsidence near Farakka severs train services to north Bengal, mass cancellations strand passengers

Railway tracks near Farakka in Murshidabad district have lost their moorings due to land subsidence, severing train connectivity to north Bengal and states beyond. Electric lines and signalling systems alongside the tracks have also been damaged, complicating restoration efforts.

The subsidence was first detected on September 3, and a second major incident occurred in the same area on September 4, 2026, triggering extensive repair work. "Due to heavy flooding, the land below the tracks subsided, which led to the trains being stopped. Teams are working round the clock to restore the lines," Divisional Railway Manager Rajeev Saxena said on September 4, 2026.

Mass cancellations strand passengers

Most trains to and from north Bengal have been cancelled, while a few have been diverted, significantly increasing journey times. Uttarbanga Express, Kanchankanya Express, Darjeeling Mail, Padatik Express, Balurghat Express, New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, New Alipurduar Teesta Torsa Express, and Sealdah Agartala Express were all cancelled on September 4. Many were cancelled on September 3 and will remain cancelled until September 5, 2026.

These services connect to New Jalpaiguri, a gateway to popular tourist destinations in north Bengal, and are used by local residents for daily commuting; they typically run at full capacity. Their cancellation has placed immense pressure on the bus system.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari convened an emergency meeting on the crisis. The CM said food and drinking water were being provided to people in trains stranded on the tracks in Malda and Murshidabad. "I have told the DMs of these two districts that if the situation does not become normal by tonight, they must provide accommodation to stranded passengers," Mr. Adhikari said on September 4, 2026.

State deploys extra buses as private operators hike fares

The West Bengal state government has deployed extra buses to north Bengal to help commuters. The Kolkata-Siliguri route was allocated 23 additional buses on September 4 and six on September 3. The Siliguri-Kolkata route also received 18 additional buses on September 4, 2026.

Private bus owners from Kolkata to north Bengal are now charging a premium for the same distance, leaving the average passenger in distress. Transport Minister Arjun Singh has directed the transport department to start additional buses. "The District Magistrates have been directed to coordinate with private bus operators and ensure that passengers are not subjected to any unreasonable increase in fares during the disruption," transport department officials said on September 4, 2026.

The DRM advised every passenger passing through north Bengal to check the status of their train before heading to the station to avoid extra hassle. The railways are also assisting people to get refunds for cancelled tickets.

Source: The Hindu