Relentless rainfall severely disrupted normal life across Kolkata on Monday, leaving major thoroughfares and low-lying residential areas waterlogged. Commuters and office-goers faced significant hardships during peak morning hours as floodwaters inundated key stretches including Central Avenue, Thanthania, Sector V, Jadavpur, Salt Lake, and major crossings along VIP Road. The municipal drainage systems struggled under the sudden deluge, causing traffic movement to slow down to a crawl across the metropolitan area.
The severe traffic snarls also impacted transit toward the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Airport authorities issued a travel advisory cautioning passengers of heavy congestion originating from Chingrighata, estimating travel times to the airport at nearly 50 minutes and advising travelers to leave early with adequate buffer time. Data from Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) pumping stations highlighted heavy precipitation totals, with areas like Thanthania recording up to 30 mm of rainfall by midday.
The Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, has issued a fresh warning forecasting continued light to moderate showers alongside intense spells capable of delivering 2 to 3 cm of rain per hour. Met officials stated that 7 to 20 cm of precipitation is expected within 24 hours, with isolated locations in southern West Bengal at risk of receiving over 20 cm of extremely heavy rain. Authorities have advised residents to minimize travel, avoid standing near unstable structures, and prepare for potential waterlogging in low-lying pockets.