Train services in Bengal hit by heavy rains

Trains services in West Bengal were hit on Saturday following heavy overnight rainfall that flooded some crucial railways stations and car sheds.

The Eastern Railway (ER) cancelled one train while the other trains were running late. The South-Eastern Railway (SER) rescheduled two trains on account of waterlogging.

"One train has been cancelled," an Eastern Railway spokesman told IANS.

However, he said trains are running late by 15-30 minutes due to waterlogging.

"Both passenger and freight services have not stopped or been cancelled... but Express, mail and EMU local train services have been delayed," he said.

Mahapatra said swift action is being taken in areas wherever waterlogging has happened.

The SER rescheduled the 18645 Howrah-Hyderabad East Coast Express and 12860 Howrah-Mumbai Gitanjali Express.

The first left Howrah at 1.50 p.m. while the latter took off towards its destination at 3.50 p.m.

SER officials said waterlogging at the vital Howrah junction, Tikiapara and Santragachi railway yards also resulted in congestion, delaying the trains.

Several parts of Kolkata and West Bengal are lying waterlogged following the rains due to a depression over Bay of Bengal caused by the cyclone Komen.

There was 117.4 mm of rainfall till 8.30 a.m. on Saturday and spells of rains and thundershowers are expected during the entire day, Met officials said.