A major disruption hit the Sealdah South Section’s Diamond Harbour line as angry commuters blocked train tracks at Uttar Radhanagar station. The protest which began early Thursday morning, was sparked by the railway’s decision to reduce general compartments in favour of additional women’s compartments. This has left daily passengers struggling, leading to widespread frustration and a complete halt of train services.

Details & Context

·      What Happened: Local commuters at Uttar Radhanagar station stopped both up and down trains, bringing the Diamond Harbour line to a standstill since 6:30 AM. The blockade follows similar protests in areas like Dakshin Barasat and Mathurapur the previous day.

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·      Why the Protest: The railway’s move to convert general compartments into women’s compartments has reduced space for regular passengers. Previously, trains had two women’s compartments but now three, leaving fewer general coaches.

·      Core Issue: With fewer general compartments, overcrowding has worsened, making it nearly impossible for passengers to board during peak hours. Commuters also report being fined for mistakenly entering women’s compartments due to habit or confusion.

·      Railway Response: Railway police are at the scene, attempting to clear the blockade but the protest continues, with no immediate resolution in sight.

Quotes

·      A Daily Commuter: “It’s impossible to board trains during rush hours. Reducing general compartments has made our daily travel a nightmare. Either add more coaches or revert to the old system.!”

·      Another Passenger: “We’re not against women’s compartments but why cut general ones.? If the government doesn’t listen, we won’t lift this blockade.”

Additional Information

·      Past Protests: This isn’t the first time commuters have taken to the tracks. Similar blockades occurred in nearby stations, signalling growing unrest over railway management decisions.

·      Affected Areas: The Diamond Harbour-Sealdah route is a lifeline for thousands of daily commuters traveling to Kolkata for work. The blockade has disrupted schedules, leaving many stranded.

·      Railway Operations: Both up and down train services remain suspended, with no clear timeline for resumption.

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Impact Analysis

·      Commuters: Daily passengers, especially those traveling to Kolkata, face significant delays, risking late arrivals at workplaces. Alternative travel options like buses are either unavailable or too time-consuming.

·      Economy: The disruption affects small businesses and employees dependent on timely commutes, potentially impacting local economies.

·      Railway Reputation: Ongoing protests highlight systemic issues in railway planning, raising questions about passenger-focused decision-making.

The Sealdah-Diamond Harbour train blockade underscores a growing rift between railway authorities and passengers. While the addition of women’s compartments addresses one need, the reduction of general coaches has sparked widespread discontent. For daily commuters, this is more than an inconvenience—it’s a fight for fair and functional travel. Authorities must act swiftly to address these concerns and restore normalcy.

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