Tatanagar: Trains to return on tracks as Kurmi protesters withdraw agitation partially

Jamshedpur, April 9: After five days of intense protest, the Kurmi agitation that had disrupted train services by blocking railway tracks has been withdrawn. The protest, which began on April 5, gained traction as hundreds of demonstrators gathered on the tracks, demanding action on their grievances. They demanded inclusion of Kurmi in the Eighth Schedule of Constitution. 

The protest was organised by a group of Kurmi Samaj who were seeking  the demands or issues raised by the protestors. The protesters occupied the railway tracks, disrupting the normal functioning of train services in the area, leading to train cancellations, delays, and inconvenience to passengers.

A press communique from SER said that the public agitation and rail blockade which was continuing at  Kustaur station in Adra Division of South Eastern Railway since 05.04.2023 has been withdrawn at 11.45 hrs. today  (09.04.2023).

However, the agitation at Khemasuli station of Kharagpur Division which started on 05.04.2023 is still continuing. Agitation has also started at Kotshila station in Adra Division from 12.20 hrs today.

The agitation gained widespread attention as images and videos of the protest spread on social media, with people expressing support and concern over the disruption caused by the protest. The local administration and railway authorities had been in talks with the organizers of the protest to find a resolution to the issue.

After five days of negotiations and discussions, a breakthrough was finally reached as the organizers agreed to withdraw the protest from the railway tracks. The decision came after assurances were given by authorities to address the demands of the protesters in a timely manner.

In a joint statement, the organisers of the protest and the authorities expressed their commitment to resolving the issues raised by the protesters through peaceful means and dialogues. They also appealed to the public to maintain peace and not disrupt public services in the future.

As the protest was lifted and the railway tracks were cleared, train services resumed gradually, and normalcy was restored in the area. However, the impact of the protest on the local economy and public transportation system is expected to be felt in the coming days, as efforts will be needed to mitigate the losses incurred during the agitation.

The incident has once again highlighted the power of peaceful protests and the need for open channels of communication between the authorities and the public to address grievances and find amicable solutions. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that protests are conducted within the legal framework, without causing harm or disruption to public services.

As a result of withdrawal of agitation at Kustaur station, the following trains will be restored /run on diverted route 

1. 18620 Godda-Ranchi Express,  journey commencing on 10.04.2023 has been restored and will run on diverted route.

2. 18619 Ranchi-Godda Express journey commencing on 11.04.2023  will run on diverted route.

3. 13404 Bhagalpur- Ranchi Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 has been restored and will run on diverted route.

4. 13403 Ranchi- Bhagalpur Express journey commencing on 11.04.2023  will run on diverted route.

5. 13319 Dumka- Ranchi Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 has been restored and will run on diverted route.

6. 13304 Ranchi Dhanbad-Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 has been restored and will run on diverted route.

7. 18621 Patna-Hatia 

Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 has been restored and will run on diverted route

8. 18622 Hatia-Patna Express journey coming on 11.04.2023 will run on diverted route 

 The following trains have been restored and will run as per schedule time and path

1. 13287 Durg- Rajendranagar Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 

2. 12828 Purulia- Howrah Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 

3. 12827 Howrah- Purulia Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 

4. 18116 Chakradharpur-Gomoh Express  journey commencing on 10.04.2023 

5. 18115 Gomoh- Chakradharpur Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 

6. 18183 Tatanagar- Danapur Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 

7. 18181 Tatanagar- Thawe Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 

8. 12950 Santragachi-Porbandar Express journey commencing on 09.04.2023 

9. 12883 Santragachi-Purulia Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 

10. 12884 Purulia-Howrah Express journey commencing on 10.04.2023 

Cancellation of Train:-

1. 13352 Alappuzha- Dhanbad Express will remain cancelled on 10.04.2023