Closed jute mill workers disrupt trains in Bengal

Suburban and long-distance train services of Eastern Railway's Sealdah division were disrupted Monday after workers of a closed jute mill squatted on the tracks to demand its reopening.

The obstruction that began at 8.20 a.m. continued through the day at Titagarh station, said an Eastern Railway media release here.

Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP) and local civil officials were at the site and trying to remove the obstruction, as of 6.30 p.m.

"Train services throughout the day were affected badly in Dum Dum Junction-Naihati Main Line section. 28 pairs of EMU locals had to be cancelled and 4 pairs of MEMU locals had to be either cancelled or short terminated and 20 other EMU locals were detained en route," said the release.

Four long-distance trains - 13185 Up Sealdah-Jaynagar Gangasagar Express, 13141 Up Teesta Torsa Express and 13105 Up Sealdah-Ballia Express - were diverted. Three other long-distance trains were detained en route.

The 12384 Dn Asansol-Sealdah Intercity Express was short terminated at Bandel and originated from there.