Train services on the busy Sealdah–Budge Budge line came to a sudden halt on Saturday afternoon, April 25, 2026, after a major fire broke out in shanties located right next to the Akra Santoshpur railway station. The blaze was first reported at 1:55 PM, quickly spreading through the crowded settlement and creating thick clouds of smoke that visible from a distance. To ensure the safety of passengers and nearby residents, Eastern Railway officials immediately suspended power to the overhead electrical lines, bringing both local passenger and goods trains to a complete standstill.
Four fire engines were rushed to the spot to battle the flames. Fortunately, initial reports from fire brigade officers suggest that no one was injured in the incident, as residents were able to evacuate the area in time. However, the suspension of services left hundreds of commuters stranded at various stations along the South Section. Railway authorities confirmed that the shutdown was a necessary precaution to prevent the fire from affecting the high-voltage traction wires or the passing trains.
Work is currently underway to clear the area and ensure that the railway infrastructure is safe before restoring services. While the fire was brought under control within a few hours, the disruption caused significant delays for those traveling toward Budge Budge or heading into the city. Eastern Railway has urged passengers to check for updates as engineers inspect the tracks and electrical systems to guarantee a safe return to normal operations.
