News Arena

Home

Nation

States

International

Politics

Opinion

Economy

Sports

Entertainment

Trending:

Home
/

north-bengal-returns-to-normalcy-after-floods-and-landslides

States

North Bengal returns to normalcy after floods and landslides

North Bengal is slowly recovering from floods and landslides, as bridge reconstruction and railway repairs restore connectivity, reviving tourism and daily life.

News Arena Network - Siliguri - UPDATED: October 13, 2025, 09:42 PM - 2 min read

A goods train slowly passes over a temporary rail bridge built after the original structure was washed away during the recent floods in North Bengal, as restoration work continues.


North Bengal is slowly regaining normalcy after torrential rains triggered widespread floods and landslides, leaving several districts isolated and cutting off vital communication and transport links.

 

Darjeeling, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri were among the worst-hit regions, with broken bridges and disrupted roads hampering rescue operations and local life. “Among the worst-hit regions was Jaldapara in Alipurduar, where the wooden bridge over the Hulong River completely collapsed and was swept away by floodwaters, leaving locals and tourists stranded. Following the disaster, the administration promptly began rescue and reconstruction operations under the direction of the Chief Minister, who personally toured the affected areas and ordered immediate repairs,” an official said.

 

A new wooden bridge was constructed on a war footing and opened to the public ahead of the Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Sunday visit to North Bengal. Officials noted that the restored bridge has significantly improved connectivity, enabling the revival of tourism in Jaldapara and the nearby Hulong Bungalow area.

 

Tourist Simu Dutta remarked, “The situation is much better than before. Now you can travel by car. Road repairs are also underway.” Local businesses, previously affected during peak tourist season, have begun to see signs of recovery. Forest officials highlighted that the bridge’s absence had hindered efforts to keep elephants away from human settlements.

 

Also read: Mamata blames Bhutan for north Bengal floods, seeks compensation

 

Rail infrastructure also suffered heavily, with the Jaldhaka River washing away a culvert on the Altagram-Betgara line, disrupting train connectivity between North Bengal and Northeast India. The Northeast Frontier Railway responded swiftly, constructing a temporary steel slab bridge to resume partial services within seven days. Trains are currently running at restricted speeds of 10 km/h, with permanent reconstruction planned.

 

“Northeast Frontier Railway workers laboured tirelessly to restore the line. First, goods trains were run for testing. Then passenger trains were resumed,” said Alipurduar Railway Division Commercial Manager Asif Ali. Railway officials, including General Manager Chetan Srivastava and Divisional Manager Devendra Singh, inspected the damaged tracks to ensure speedy recovery.

 

Last week’s floods, triggered by overflowing Teesta and Jaldhaka rivers, destroyed homes, roads, bridges, and power lines, claiming several lives. Train services on the Mainaguri route from New Alipurduar via Falakata and Dhupguri had to be suspended, with trains rerouted through Mathabhanga and Jalpaiguri Road to maintain connectivity with the Northeast.

 

Authorities continue restoration work across other affected areas, with locals hopeful that tourism and transport will stabilise in the coming weeks.

TOP CATEGORIES

  • Nation

QUICK LINKS

About us Rss FeedSitemapPrivacy PolicyTerms & Condition
logo

2025 News Arena India Pvt Ltd | All rights reserved | The Ideaz Factory