Rourkela: Hundreds of locals today staged a ‘rail roko’ agitation demanding a halt of all passenger and Express trains at Bisra railway station, which were halting prior to the Covid-19 pandemic outbreak. About four Express trains have been stranded by the agitators.
The token protest was led by former Biramitrapur MLA George Tirkey and Bisra Public Action Committee (BPAC) convener Pradeep Routray. More than 400 local residents staged a sit-in (Dharna) on the railway tracks from 6.00 am in the morning.
As a result, several goods trains were stranded on the Howrah-Mumbai main line, including the Kalinga Utkal Express at Manoharpur, Geetanjali Express at Rajgangpur, Ahmedabad-Howrah Superfast Express at Rourkela and Steel Express at Sambalpur.
Passengers have been facing utter difficulties due to the ‘rail roko’ agitation, a source said.
On the other hand, the agitators are stern on their demand and are insisting on a written commitment from the Railway authorities concerned. They warned not to withdraw the stir.
Meanwhile, a senior official reached the spot and was trying to convince the incensed locals.
The agitation was underway till the time when this report was filed.
Earlier, more than two years ago, Samaleswari Express, Kalinga Utkal Express, Steel Express, and Bokaro-Alleppey Express used to halt at Bisra railway station and have not halted thereafter.
