Bandh hits normal life in Odisha

The shutdown was peaceful with security tight across the state, the police said.

Shops, business establishments, schools, colleges, banks and offices remained closed throughout the state including the state capital and at Cuttack, Berhampur, Puri, Balasore, Sambalpur, Rourkela and Paradip.

In the state capital, roads wore a deserted look as public transport virtually came to a grinding halt.

Protesters carrying placards and banners held demonstrations and blockades demanding immediate roll-back of the hike in petrol price.

Train services were hit with bandh supporters blocking tracks at Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur and Balasore, delaying several trains including the Bhubaneswar-New Delhi Express, police sources said.

A large number of passengers were stranded at railway stations and bus stands in the state.