Cyclone ‘Remal’ Impacts Transportation in Kolkata, South Bengal
As Cyclone ‘Remal’ approaches landfall, it has caused significant disruptions to transportation in Kolkata and other parts of South Bengal. The impending landfall is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to coastal districts on Sunday and Monday.
Air Travel Disruption
Kolkata Airport has suspended flight operations for 21 hours, starting from Sunday noon. A total of 394 flights, both international and domestic, will be affected by the suspension. The measure was taken as a precautionary step after consultation with stakeholders of the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport.
Rail Travel Interruptions
The Eastern and South Eastern Railways have cancelled several trains in view of the cyclone. In the Sealdah South section and Barasat-Hasnabad section of the Sealdah division, train services have been suspended from 11 pm on Sunday to 6 am on Monday. Five suburban trains were cancelled on Sunday, and eight local trains will not operate on Monday morning.
Road Transportation Affected
The cyclone’s strong winds and heavy rainfall have also impacted road transportation in Kolkata and district towns. Intermittent showers and gusty winds have led to a noticeable absence of buses, taxis, and three-wheelers on the roads.
Expected Impact Areas
The immediate impact of Cyclone ‘Remal’ is expected to be felt in the coastal districts of West Bengal, including Dakshin (South) 24 Pargana, Purba Medinipur, Howrah, Hoogli, Kolkata, and Nadia. The first impact is likely to be seen in coastal areas, according to IMD scientist Dr. Somenath Dutta.
The cyclone is expected to make landfall by midnight on Sunday along the adjoining coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh, with wind speeds of 110-120 km per hour, gusting up to 135 kmph. The Met Office has warned of extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of West Bengal on May 26-27.
