Train blockade in Malda lifted

Train services in Malda division of Eastern Railway, disrupted since last evening, resumed in the wee hours after protesters lifted the blockade at Khaltikur station near Kaliachak.

Train services in Malda division of Eastern Railway, disrupted since last evening, resumed in the wee hours on Wednesday after protesters lifted the blockade at Khaltikur station near Kaliachak.

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Hundreds of railway passengers were stranded as the movement of several long-distance trains were disrupted after CPI-M cadre squatted on the railway tracks demanding halts for all express and mail trains and setting up of a computerised reservation counter at Khaltikur station, 25 km from in Malda.

The blockade, which started at 3 PM on Tuesday was withdrawn at around 12 AM on Wednesday, an Eastern Railway spokesperson said.

The protesters led by CPI-M MLA of Kaliachak Biswanath Ghosh sat on the railway tracks as trains remain stranded on the route.

Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the blockade and blamed the CPI-M leadership for the protest.