Kolkata Metro Blue Line Faces Service Disruption Due to Technical Glitch
Metro services along the North-South Blue Line in Kolkata were significantly disrupted on Saturday afternoon after a Dakshineswar-bound train encountered a technical snag. The incident occurred around 12:50 PM when the train came to an unexpected halt at Kalighat station, leaving passengers stranded and uncertain about their journey.
Passenger Evacuation and Service Resumption
After approximately ten minutes of waiting, passengers were instructed to disembark at Kalighat station. They were informed that the train had developed glitches and would not be continuing its route. Shortly thereafter, commuters were directed to board another Dakshineswar-bound train to complete their travel.
A Metro Railway spokesperson provided details on the technical issue, stating, "Due to brake binding, the train was briefly halted for a check-up. It was subsequently sent to the shed for further inspection. Passengers were accommodated on another train, and normal services along the entire Blue Line resumed at 1:10 PM."
Understanding the Brake Binding Issue
The spokesperson elaborated on the cause of the disruption, explaining, "Brake binding occurs when the brake pads or shoes of the train remain in contact with the wheel or drum even after the motorman releases the brake pedal." This mechanical fault necessitated the immediate removal of the affected rake from the fleet to prevent further operational issues.
Impact on Commuters and Delayed Recovery
Despite the official resumption of services at 1:10 PM, the ripple effects of the disruption persisted for some time. Commuters experienced ongoing delays and cancellations as the system stabilized.
Sasanka Bose, a commuter traveling from Baranagar to Esplanade, shared his experience, "The 1:40 PM train was cancelled, followed by the cancellation of the 1:48 PM service. I finally managed to board a train that departed Baranagar at 1:52 PM." His account highlights the extended inconvenience faced by passengers even after the initial technical fault was addressed.
Throughout the incident, up services on the Shahid Khudiram-bound route operated normally, minimizing broader network impact. The Metro authorities acted swiftly to manage the situation, ensuring passenger safety and restoring full service efficiency within a short timeframe.
