Train services on the Diamond Harbour Line of the Sealdah South Branch in West Bengal were severely disrupted during rush hours Thursday as passengers staged a rail blockade at North Radhanagar Station.
The protest, which lasted for two hours from 7.45 am to 9.45 am, halted all train movement on both up and down lines of the southern section of Sealdah. This disruption caused inconvenience to commuters, particularly office workers and students, at the start of their day.
The protesting passengers voiced their grievances regarding the recent reduction in the number of general compartments of trains, coupled with an increase in women’s compartments. They claimed the change, without a corresponding increase in the overall number of trains or additional coaches, has led to severe overcrowding in the remaining general compartments.
Passengers reported daily struggles to board trains, saying they often have to travel in extremely crowded conditions without any space to stand. “We are not against separate or more compartments for women. However, reducing the number of common compartments creates unbearable difficulties for us who commute daily to and from work,” said a commuter.
This protest follows similar rail blockades held Wednesday at the Dakshin Barasat and Mathurapur stations, indicating a growing dissatisfaction among commuters over the same issue. On Thursday, some commuters reiterated their stance by walking along the blockade route.
With the Indian Railways authorities yet to provide a definitive solution, the frustration among passengers is escalating.
“We are appealing to the local administration and railway officials to intervene. We will continue our agitation until our demands for adequate general compartment space are met,” said another protester.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd