Flash in third rail halts Metro services

Kolkata: A flash in the third rail at one station led to suspension of Metro railway services in the Up direction for nearly 50 minutes on Friday, inconveniencing commuters during the peak hours in the evening, a spokesperson said.

The flash was noticed at 5.34 pm at Mahanayak Uttam Kumar station after a Dum Dum bound train left it, said Metro spokesperson Indrani Banerjee. "The station master informed the control room immediately and power supply to the third rail was stopped at 5.38 pm," Banerjee said, adding that Metro services in the Up direction towards Dum Dum was stopped.

After inspecting the site of the incident, senior electrical and maintenance officials of Metro Railway found that there was no reason to worry and gave the go-ahead for resuming the train services, she said.

Meanwhile, for dismantling of existing concrete girder of all spans of Majherhat Road overbridge on Up and Down passenger line over platforms 1, 2 and 3 at Majherhat station on Ballygunge-Budge Budge section, there will be a 36 hour traffic and power block from 5.05 pm on January 27 to 5.05 am on January 29.

Consequently, 3 Up and 2 Down Sealdah-Budge Budge-Sealdah locals will remain cancelled, while 7 pairs of Sealdah-Budge Budge-Sealdah locals and 1 pair of Naihati-Budge Budge local will short terminate/short originate at New Alipore station on January 27.