Uditvani, Jamshedpur : Train operations across parts of South Eastern Railway came under strain on Saturday as members of the Kurmi Adivasi Samaj staged demonstrations on railway tracks, demanding Scheduled Tribe status.
The agitation, which began early morning, forced cancellation, diversion and regulation of several passenger and express trains.
Railway officials said the protest first flared at Bhanjpur station in Kharagpur division between 5:02 am and 5:35 am.
Blockades also continued on the busy Sini–Birbans section under Chakradharpur division, while simultaneous stirrings in Dhanbad division of East Central Railway added to the disruptions within SER’s network.
Though the protest is not connected with railway demands, services had to be curtailed to ensure safety, a South Eastern Railway spokesperson clarified.
Trains Cancelled
Hatia–Barddhaman MEMU (13504)
Tatanagar–Gua–Tatanagar MEMU (68019/68020)
Tatanagar–Gua–Tatanagar MEMU (68003/68004)
Diversion
Adra–Bokaro Steel City Express (18013) diverted via Bhojudih–Talgaria–Chas–Bandhdih
Short Termination
Ranchi–Dumka Express (13320) to start from Barakar
Trains Held Up
Ranchi–Varanasi Vande Bharat (20887) at Bokaro Steel City
Tatanagar–Patna Vande Bharat (20893) at Muri
Hatia–Purnia Court Express (18626)
Alappuzha–Dhanbad Express (13352) at Ranchi
Wider Impact
The Kurmi agitation has been called across Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha.
Roads and railway stations in affected areas are under security watch, with local administrations clamping prohibitory orders near Ranchi and other major junctions.
Passengers have been advised to verify train status before planning travel.
