Fire At Santoshpur Station Disrupts Kolkata Suburban Train Services
Fire at Santoshpur halts local trains, services resume after chaos.
A sudden blaze at unauthorized shops in Santoshpur railway station in southwestern Kolkata threw the morning commute into disarray on Tuesday, disrupting local train services on the busy Sealdah-Budge Budge line. The fire erupted at 7:21 AM, engulfing a few makeshift stalls and triggering immediate safety concerns for thousands of daily commuters relying on this vital suburban route.
Eastern Railway officials swiftly mobilized fire tenders to the scene, battling the flames that quickly spread through the unauthorized structures. The inferno was brought under control by around 9:30 AM, allowing train operations to resume after a nearly two-hour suspension. "Services are now back to normal, but we are investigating the cause," an Eastern Railway spokesperson confirmed, noting that no injuries were reported among passengers or staff.
The incident highlights ongoing issues with encroachments at railway stations, where unauthorized vendors often pose fire hazards in crowded areas. Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as platforms filled with stranded commuters, with some forced to seek alternative transport amid the morning rush. The Sealdah-Budge Budge line, a key artery for south Kolkata residents, saw delays that rippled through the network, affecting office-goers and students.
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Railway authorities have assured a thorough probe into the fire's origin, which remains undetermined. Preliminary reports suggest it may have started from an electrical short circuit in one of the shops. In response, Eastern Railway has announced plans for stricter inspections and possible relocation of vendors to prevent future disruptions. Commuters are advised to check updates via the IRCTC app or station announcements for any residual delays.
This event underscores the challenges of maintaining safety in India's bustling rail network, where over 23 million passengers travel daily. While the quick response averted a larger crisis, it serves as a reminder of the need for enhanced fire safety measures at urban stations like Santoshpur.
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