Kolkata awoke to chaos on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, as torrential rains triggered severe waterlogging across the city, disrupting transport networks and daily life. The India floods 2025 episode, marked by Kolkata rains 2025 floods, resulted in at least seven deaths from electrocution, with authorities suspending Metro and train services to ensure safety. Triggered by a low-pressure trough over the Bay of Bengal, the deluge dumped 247.5 mm of rain in 24 hours, flooding key areas like Park Street, Salt Lake, and EM Bypass. This unfolded amid heightened preparations for Durga Puja, forcing school closures and airline advisories.
Why It Matters
In a region where monsoons routinely challenge urban infrastructure, the India floods 2025 in Kolkata underscore vulnerabilities in drainage systems and emergency responses. For South Asia, where similar events displace millions annually, this incident highlights the need for resilient city planning to safeguard lives and economies during peak cultural seasons like Durga Puja.
Widespread Waterlogging Grips Kolkata Amid India Floods 2025
The India floods 2025 struck Kolkata with unrelenting force, beginning past midnight on Monday, September 22, 2025, and continuing for nearly seven hours. By 6:30 AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, the city had recorded 247.5 mm of rainfall at Alipore observatory, with south Kolkata neighbourhoods like Garia Kamdahari logging up to 332 mm and Jodhpur Park 285 mm.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), a low-pressure trough intensified the showers, leading to knee-deep flooding in low-lying zones.
Residents waded through submerged streets in areas such as Shyambazar, Ballygunge, and Golf Green, where water inundated homes and residential complexes. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) activated emergency drainage pumps, but civic delays exacerbated the chaos.
KMC official statement: “We have received emergency instructions to run drainage pumps to clear the roads.” Despite these efforts, arterial roads like AJC Bose Road, DH Road, and Cathedral Road remained paralysed, reducing private bus services to 20 per cent capacity.
The human toll mounted quickly, with seven fatalities reported from electrocution in waterlogged spots including Beniapukur, Kalikapur, Netaji Nagar, Gariahat, Ekbalpur, Behala, and Haridevpur. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee described the rainfall as “unprecedented,” attributing some issues to poor dredging at Farakka and lapses by power utility CESC.
West Bengal Chief Minister’s Office statement: “I extend my best wishes and congratulations to everyone for the upcoming Sharadiya festival. My deep and heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the fellow citizens who lost their lives in this disaster.” Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, monitoring from the KMC Control Room, noted the severity: KMC statement: “I have never seen such waterlogging in the city. The corporation is arranging food and shelter for the affected people.”
Transport Disruptions from Kolkata Rains 2025 Floods
Public transport bore the brunt of the Kolkata rains 2025 floods, halting commutes and stranding thousands. Metro Railway Kolkata suspended services on the Blue Line’s mid-section between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations due to flooding between Mahanayak Uttam Kumar and Rabindra Sarobar. Metro Railway Kolkata spokesperson: “To ensure passengers’ safety, services have been suspended between Shahid Khudiram and Maidan stations since the morning.” Truncated operations continued between Dakshineswar and Maidan, with normalcy expected soon. Metro Railway Kolkata spokesperson: “Truncated services are being run between Dakshineswar and Maidan stations. Normal services are expected to resume soon.”
Railways faced similar setbacks. Eastern Railway halted all movement in the Sealdah south section and Circular Railway line at Chitpur yard owing to waterlogged tracks. Skeleton services ran in Sealdah north and main sections, while partial disruptions affected Howrah and Kolkata terminals. Long-distance trains like the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express were rescheduled, with departures delayed by up to three hours. Eastern Railway official: “Train movement in the Sealdah south section has been suspended, with skeleton services in Sealdah north and main sections; partial affectation to and from Howrah and Kolkata terminal stations due to waterlogged tracks.”
Aviation too felt the ripple effects. IndiGo issued an advisory amid slow traffic to the airport, where tarmac waterlogging delayed flights. IndiGo statement: “Some routes across #Kolkata have been impacted by heavy rain, leading to temporary blocks or diversions. We recommend planning your journey accordingly, and leave with a bit of extra time in hand. Please keep a tab on your flight status via our app or website before heading out. Our teams are working proactively to reduce any inconvenience and help you on your way. Thank you for your patience. We are here with you, every step of the way.”
Schools across Kolkata declared holidays, sparing students from the hazards, while office-goers battled snarls without reliable options. The deluge also knocked out electricity and internet in suburbs, compounding isolation.
Durga Puja Preparations Hampered by India Floods 2025
As Kolkata geared up for Durga Puja—set to commence on Saturday, September 27, 2025—the India floods 2025 inflicted direct blows on festivities. Pandal construction stalled in south and central Kolkata, with water seeping into structures near Birla Mandir and Kalighat. Artisans in Kumartuli struggled to complete idols amid flooded lanes, and festive markets saw collapsed stalls. Returning Bengalis faced a sodden homecoming, with residents likening the event to a rare cloudburst unseen in two decades.
Puja organisers in affected zones like Jadavpur and Salt Lake urged vigilance, as IMD forecasted light to moderate showers persisting until September 28, 2025, with heavier bursts possible around Friday, September 26, 2025. IMD forecast: “A low-pressure trough might move northwards over Kolkata and South 24 Parganas, bringing heavy rainfall.” Community leaders emphasised drainage reinforcements to avert further setbacks during the festival’s peak.
Background
Kolkata’s susceptibility to Kolkata rains 2025 floods stems from outdated infrastructure and rapid urbanisation, as outlined in the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority’s 2025 Vision Plan for drainage and sanitation. Past monsoons, including 2007 floods, exposed similar gaps, prompting calls for anti-flood measures. This year’s India floods 2025 align with IMD’s seasonal warnings for Gangetic West Bengal, where 239 mm fell at Alipore by 5:30 AM on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
What’s Next for India After Floods
Authorities anticipate partial recovery by Wednesday, September 24, 2025, with KMC ramping up dewatering. However, impending showers demand sustained alerts, ensuring Durga Puja proceeds resiliently despite the India floods 2025 challenges. Residents are advised to monitor IMD updates and avoid flooded zones.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, September 23rd, 2025
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