Table of Contents
Top Headlines
- Kolkata is expected to see cloudy skies, rain or thundershowers and gusty winds on September 18.
- The IMD has forecast moderate rain and thunderstorms in Kolkata over the weekend.
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation has intensified food-safety inspections across the city.
- More than 14 eateries and restaurants were checked around Golpark, where hygiene and food-storage violations were found.
- Traffic movement in Kolkata is reported to be largely normal, although some bus routes may have fewer services because of Vishwakarma Puja.
- Kolkata Metro and other infrastructure projects remain an important focus as the city prepares for future transport expansion.
- New education and cultural initiatives are also drawing attention across Kolkata and West Bengal.
- Political developments involving the Trinamool Congress and the Election Commission remain a major West Bengal news story.
Kolkata Latest News Today
Kolkata is seeing developments across weather, civic administration, public transport, food safety and West Bengal politics on September 18, 2026. With the festive season approaching, authorities are also increasing attention on public safety, traffic management and food-quality standards.
Kolkata Weather Today
The India Meteorological Department has forecast generally cloudy conditions in Kolkata on September 18, with one or two spells of rain or thundershowers. The city’s forecast maximum temperature is around 32°C and minimum temperature around 25°C.
The IMD has also warned of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of around 30–40 kmph. Moderate rain and similar thunderstorm conditions are forecast for September 19 and 20.
The latest weather conditions are particularly relevant as residents and businesses prepare for upcoming festive activities. People travelling across the city may need to allow additional time during periods of heavy rain.
Kolkata Food Safety Drive Intensifies
Food safety is one of the major civic stories in Kolkata today. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has resumed intensive, zone-wise inspections of restaurants, eateries and sweet shops.
During a recent inspection in the Golpark area, KMC officials checked more than 14 establishments. Officials reported problems involving hygiene, food storage and documentation. At one sweet manufacturing unit, cleanliness was described as poor, while a bird feather was reportedly found inside a packet of namkeen. Samples collected during the inspections are being sent for laboratory testing.
The latest inspections follow a wider food-safety campaign. Between September 1 and 7, KMC teams reportedly visited 592 establishments, collected 161 samples and discarded 1,224 kg of food that failed safety requirements.
Kolkata Traffic Update
Traffic movement in Kolkata was reported to be generally normal on Friday morning. According to local traffic-control information, there were no major rallies or large gatherings expected to create widespread congestion.
However, Vishwakarma Puja has affected the availability of buses on some routes. Commuters may therefore experience minor delays or longer waiting times even where road traffic remains under control.
Kolkata Metro and Transport Developments
Metro expansion continues to be a major part of Kolkata’s long-term transport planning. Recent updates include plans connected with the Kavi Subhash and New Garia areas, while ongoing Metro construction is expected to influence traffic and commuting patterns in several parts of the city.
For daily commuters, Metro developments remain significant because improved connectivity could gradually reduce pressure on busy road corridors.
West Bengal Education and Civic Updates
Education is another area receiving attention in the latest West Bengal news. The state has announced that the life and legacy of Syama Prasad Mookerjee are planned to be included in school and college curricula from 2027, while institutions have also been asked to organise student outreach programmes.
At the same time, several civic and cultural preparations are underway ahead of the major festive season, including requirements for temporary structures and advertising arrangements during Durga Puja.
Political Developments in West Bengal
Political developments continue to be closely watched in Kolkata. The Election Commission is dealing with a dispute involving rival factions of the All India Trinamool Congress over the party’s name and election symbol. The commission has directed the factions to select new names and symbols temporarily while the dispute is considered.
Rahul Gandhi has publicly criticised the BJP-led central government and the Election Commission over the issue, while the dispute remains subject to the commission’s proceedings. These are attributed political positions rather than independently established findings.
