Tatanagar: Train services resume on Howrah–Mumbai route

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur , Sept 21 : After days of disruption, normal train services resumed on the Howrah–Mumbai main line on Sunday morning as the Kurmi agitation demanding Scheduled Tribe status and inclusion of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule came to an end.

The development brought major relief to thousands of stranded passengers and the railway administration.

Protesters Removed, Tracks Inspected

Railway officials confirmed that agitators squatting on the Tatanagar–Rourkela section were peacefully removed at around 6:50 a.m. on Sunday. Subsequently, engineering teams carried out a thorough inspection of the tracks and overhead equipment, which was completed by 7:25 a.m.

The first freight train was made to run at 7:40 a.m., marking the restoration of traffic.

Freight First, Passenger Trains Later

On Saturday night, despite clearance of blockades at Ghatshila and Sini, only freight trains were operated as a precautionary measure since most passenger trains had already been cancelled.

Passenger services restarted from 8.30 a.m. on Sunday.

Major Trains Back on Track

With operations normalized, long-distance trains such as the Mumbai–Howrah Geetanjali Express, Ahmedabad–Howrah Express, Shirdi–Howrah Express, and Titlagarh–Howrah Ispat Express resumed services via Rourkela, Chakradharpur, Sini, Gamharia, Sonua, and Tatanagar.

Relief for Passengers

The agitation had severely disrupted travel plans across Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.

Several trains, including the Patna–Bilaspur Express, Ara–Durg South Bihar Express, and Jaynagar Express, had to be cancelled.

Over two dozen trains originating from Tatanagar were also scrapped, forcing passengers to either postpone journeys or switch to road transport.

Railways Heave a Sigh of Relief

Chakradharpur Railway Division officials said the situation is now fully normal, with all key trains running on schedule. To manage the rush, additional security personnel and help desks have been deployed at major stations.

Background and Future Course

The Kurmi community has long been demanding recognition as a Scheduled Tribe and official status for the Kurmali language.

The recent agitation, marked by rail blockades and highway obstructions, paralyzed daily life in parts of Jharkhand, Odisha, and Bengal.

While leaders have called off the protest for now, they have warned of intensified action if governments fail to address their demands.