Even at the year’s end, Metro services continue to grapple with recurring problems. Blue Line services were disrupted on the last Sunday of the year after a rake broke down just after crossing Tollygunge, near Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Station, causing severe inconvenience to passengers.
The breakdown occurred on Sunday morning, leading to the suspension of Metro services for over an hour between Rabindra Sadan and Shahid Khudiram stations. However, services continued on both up and down lines between Dakshineswar and Maidan Station. Despite partial operations, passengers complained of slow-moving trains on the affected stretch. Around 1 pm, Metro authorities announced that Blue Line services had returned to normal.
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According to sources, the affected rake was heading towards Girish Station when it stopped shortly after crossing Mahanayak Uttam Kumar Station. Passengers alleged that the air-conditioning system stopped functioning, creating a suffocating situation inside the dark rake. Due to mechanical failure, the emergency doors could not be opened initially. Later, the front doors were opened, and passengers were evacuated and escorted along the tracks back to the station. Elderly passengers and women carrying children were also seen walking along the tracks.
One affected passenger said, “I was trapped inside the Metro for about 40 minutes. There was no announcement.”
Following the incident, Blue Line services were curtailed, with trains operating only up to Maidan instead of Shahid Khudiram. Metro authorities said efforts were underway to remove the stranded rake and restore full services at the earliest.
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Metro-related problems have persisted beyond service disruptions. Passengers complained that for the past two days, online ticket bookings through apps have not been possible due to issues with the Kolkata Metro app. The problem has led to long queues at ticket counters, further inconveniencing commuters.
Overall, despite assurances, Metro services remain far from fully stabilised even at the year’s end.
