Title - Blockade on Howrah-Mumbai main line disrupts rail traffic

Rail traffic on Howrah-Mumbai main line went haywire for nearly four hours on Wednesday due to a track blockade by local villagers led by ruling Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Gurucharan Naik demanding establishment of a ‘halt-station’ at Ghaghra between Manoharpur and Posaita stations of South Eastern railway in West Singhbhum district.Hundred of villages had squatted on the track since around 7 am. The party leaders threatened to intensify their agitation if the demands are not met at the earliest.Railway officials said that 58118 Charkradharpur-Rourkela Saranda Passenger at Ghaghra for more than three hours, 12833 Ahmedabad-Howrah superfast express remained stranded at Mahoharpur for more than three hours, 18477 Bhuwaneshwar-Haridwar Utkal Express at Ghaghara for over two hours 13288 Danapur-Durg South Bihar Express at Goilkera for around half-an-hour, and 58111 Tata-Itwari passenger at Ta station for half-an-hour.Movement of some goods trains were also affected due to the agitation and blockade at Ghagra, commercial control room of Chakradharpur division of SE railway informed.When contacted MLA Gurucharan Naik said that they have been demanding ‘halt-station’ at Ghaghra between Manoharpur and Posaita stations but still Railway has failed to take steps in this regard. The passengers are the worst hit and they have to face trouble due to lack of halt station.

“We also demand better passenger amenities at Manoharpur and Posaita stations and also stoppage of express trains so that the tribal passengers can receives the benefits,” Naik said.

Meanwhile, railway sources said that the blockade, planned for 12 hours, ended around 11 am following an assurance from railways to take ‘positive action’ within a month after which the rail traffic on this root become normal.