Kolkata in chaos: How rains took joy out of the city ahead of Durga Puja

Unprecedented heavy rainfall threw life off track in Kolkata, leaving it flooded just days before Durga Puja celebrations.

At least seven people died in incidents related to the rain, while many areas were left under knee-deep water or waterlogged.

Visuals showed large parts of the city submerged, with water entering homes and residential complexes as roads went underwater.

The flooding has affected traffic, suburban trains, and Metro services. It has also caused difficulties for passengers travelling from Kolkata airport.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Heavy rain causes waterlogging in several parts of Kolkata

(Visuals from South Kolkata) pic.twitter.com/DzN0mrBdZL

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2025

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In this explainer, we look at some visuals from the streets of a city brought to a standstill by the rains.

Let’s take a look:

7 killed, streets flooded: What happened?

Seven people have died from electrocution as heavy overnight rainfall brought Kolkata and its surrounding areas to a standstill, The Telegraph reported.

Water entered numerous homes and residential complexes as roads went underwater following rains that began past midnight.

The city is preparing to face more heavy rainfall as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said a low-pressure area over the northeast Bay of Bengal is likely to bring heavy rain to several districts in south Bengal.

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Traffic was severely disrupted across major roads, with vehicles stranded in knee-to-waist-deep water at key intersections such as Park Circus, Gariahat, Behala, and College Street.

Commuters said buses also broke down mid-journey, while taxis and app cabs either stayed off the roads or charged high fares.

Airlines issue advisory, Metro and train services disrupted

The situation at the airport was also challenging.

IndiGo issued an advisory early on Tuesday morning: “With heavy rainfall and thunderstorms expected over Kolkata we are seeing a chance of delays and slower traffic to and from the airport. While we can’t control the skies, we are doing everything possible to keep your journey steady on the ground. Please check your flight status and consider giving yourself a little cushion of time to reach the airport,” the airline said in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Air India warned, “Persistent and heavy rain may impact flights to and from Kolkata today. Please check your flight status before leaving for the airport and allow extra time for your journey due to traffic and waterlogging.”

SpiceJet said, “Due to bad weather in Kolkata (CCU), all departures/arrivals and their consequential flights may be affected. Passengers are requested to keep a check on their flight status.”

Meanwhile, Kolkata Metro announced services were suspended between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations due to waterlogging between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar stations.

“To ensure passenger safety, truncated services are being run between Dakshineswar and Maidan stations. Water is being pumped out. Officers and staff of Metro Railway have reached the spot to address the issue at the earliest,” the official statement read.

Train services at Howrah station were also heavily affected due to waterlogged tracks.

The heavy rainfall disrupted railway operations, causing waterlogging at Howrah station yard, Sealdah South station yard, Chitpur North Cabin, several car sheds, and multiple parts of the Sealdah yard.

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Railway tracks and shops inundated as heavy rainfall causes waterlogging in Howrah pic.twitter.com/iF2mmz6s0d

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2025

Waterlogging on the Howrah and Sealdah railway lines forced authorities to short-terminate and short-originate several suburban train services.

Schools closed, power outages hit multiple areas

Several schools have declared a holiday following heavy rainfall and waterlogged streets.

Some schools also cancelled half-yearly examinations at the last minute.

Office-goers faced difficulties reaching their workplaces due to flooded streets and traffic jams.

Power and internet services failed in several neighbourhoods, while Durga Puja pandals reported damage from water seepage, The Telegraph reported.

VIDEO | West Bengal: Rain affects Durga Puja preparations in Kolkata; several pandals inundated.

(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/IOd4wACs6w

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 23, 2025

The IMD said the heavy rain was caused by a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal. Kolkata is now preparing for more rainfall.

Mamata Banerjee on Kolkata rains

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the heavy rainfall as “unprecedented” and criticised poor dredging of Farakka and “lapses” by power utility CESC.

Speaking to a Bengali news channel, she said, “Even our houses are submerged; we are all suffering. I am feeling so bad for the Pujo pandals as well.”

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Heavy rain causes waterlogging in several parts of Kolkata

(Visuals around Southern Avenue area) pic.twitter.com/SHWGhIsCbm

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2025

The CM added that she had never seen rain like this and expressed sympathy for those who lost their lives.

“I have told schools to give a holiday today, and even office-goers should not come to work. Even tomorrow, you should not come. I heard 7-8 people have died due to electrocution. It is so unfortunate that people have lost their lives. Their families must all be given jobs by the CESC, I am saying this clearly. We will also do whatever is possible to help,” she said.

With inputs from agencies