Heavy Rains Trigger Landslides, Bridge Collapse in North Bengal; CM Vows Normalcy in 4-5 Days
Heavy rainfall across West Bengal on Thursday night, continuing through Friday afternoon, severely disrupted life in several parts of north Bengal and inundated areas in Kolkata and adjoining southern districts, causing traffic congestion.
Torrential rains in neighbouring Bhutan and Sikkim caused rivers in north Bengal, including the Teesta and Balason (a major tributary of the Mahananda), to flow close to danger levels, officials said.
Multiple landslides were reported from the Darjeeling hills, cutting off connectivity between Siliguri and various hill areas via National Highway 110.
Addressing a press conference, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the government was working to restore normalcy, which could take up to 4-5 days in some parts of north Bengal.
The Chief Minister also ordered a probe into the collapse of the temporary Dudhia Bridge over the Balason River in Darjeeling, which occurred after the waterbody swelled due to incessant rains on Friday. The collapse disrupted vehicular movement between Siliguri and the Mirik subdivision. Officials said the hume pipe structure was built as an alternative following the collapse of the iron Dudhia bridge in October 2025.
The bridge collapse has sparked political controversy over the quality of materials used in its construction eight months ago. The Chief Minister indicated that the investigation would look into any alleged irregularity, negligence, or financial corruption.
Banerjee stated that alongside the investigation, restoring normal movement for people was the government's main priority. Instructions have been issued to repair damaged sections quickly and introduce alternative travel arrangements.
Due to the incessant rain, a child reportedly died at a tea garden in Hasimara, Alipurduar. The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow and said financial assistance had been provided to the family.
Speaking about the administration's response, Banerjee said, 'Heavy rainfall has been continuing in north Bengal, particularly in Kurseong and the hilly region, since last night. Siliguri and Darjeeling have recorded around 240.6 mm of rainfall, causing significant damage. Several bridges have been washed away, although the river situation remains under control. PWD is working, but it will take 4-5 days to bring normalcy.'
She noted that minimal landslides occurred in some areas, such as the Mirik block on Lebong Cart Road, but debris was cleared and roads reopened by late Friday afternoon.
The Chief Minister said the administration had been active since dawn to take advance measures, and the government was monitoring the situation in the hills with utmost seriousness. She added that the Darjeeling MP, District Magistrate, and officials from the Irrigation and Disaster Management departments were working closely to restore normalcy, and there were no reports of stranded tourists.
Vehicular movement has been diverted through alternative routes via Pankhabari and Kurseong due to road closures. Roads in central and north Kolkata, as well as in the Sector V area of Salt Lake, were submerged after the morning downpour, leading to slow-moving traffic and congestion during office hours. Busy thoroughfares like College Street, Amherst Street, and Camac Street remained waterlogged for extended periods.
