Train blockade hits passengers in Howrah-Amta section

Train services at South Eastern Railway (SER) were disrupted Friday for hours following a blockade on the railway track at Tikiapara by the passengers of Howrah-Amta local, officials said.

The passengers put up a blockade on the railway track at about 7 pm demanding prompt and regular service on Howrah-Amta section, which continued beyond 10.30 pm affecting both the outgoing and incoming trains to and from Howrah station.

A SER spokesperson said that the Howrah-Amta local was stopped near Tikiapara station because of a technical snag in signalling system at Mourigram station.

Even as a the snag was rectified, angry passengers put up a blockade, the spokesman said.

The agitating passengers, however, said that despite their long-pending demands for prompt and regular train service on Howrah-Amta section, the railway authority failed to take any action.

"Senior officials have rushed to the spot and are holding discussion with the agitators," the SER spokesman said.