Farakka rail restoration nears completion; North Bengal train services may resume soon
Railway authorities in West Bengal are nearing the completion of repairs on tracks damaged by subsidence in Farakka, which had disrupted connectivity to North Bengal. While trial runs have commenced, the suspension of services has caused significant hardship for commuters and tourists.
Why it matters
The disruption highlights the vulnerability of critical transport infrastructure in India and the economic impact on regional tourism and daily travel.
Eastern Railway authorities on Saturday (September 5, 2026) said that the train lines that suffered subsidence in West Bengal’s Farakka are close to being restored, and normal train services to north Bengal may be started soon.
Trial runs on the restored tracks have already started, and as part of the trial runs, a goods carriage passed through the down line in Farakka , Murshidabad district, to check the stability of the newly restored tracks.
Farakka is the gateway to most trains travelling to North Bengal; hence, line subsidence in the area has almost completely cut off South Bengal’s connectivity with North Bengal and the States beyond it. Other than a few select trains like the Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, most others have been suspended.
Trains like Silchar-Sealdah Kanchenjunga Express and Malda Town-Surat Express are also now running on normal routes.
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