A major protest took place at the Howrah–Bardhaman railway section in West Bengal against the SIR process, causing temporary disruption to train services. The protest created tension at the station and affected daily passengers for a short period.
According to sources, a group of protesters gathered at the railway station to oppose the SIR process. The protesters claimed that they are ordinary citizens and genuine voters who have been facing harassment during the correction and verification of the voter list. They alleged that the SIR process has caused unnecessary trouble for common people and questioned the way it is being implemented.
The situation escalated when the protesters entered the station area holding the national flag. Many of them raised slogans against the SIR process and demanded that the authorities listen to their concerns. As the protest intensified, some protesters reportedly lay down on the railway tracks as a mark of protest. This action forced the railway authorities to stop train movement on the affected section to avoid any accident.
Due to the protest, several local and passenger trains were halted. Commuters were seen waiting on platforms, while many expressed frustration over the sudden disruption. However, railway officials and local administration acted quickly to manage the situation. Security personnel tried to convince the protesters to move away from the tracks and resolve the issue peacefully.
After nearly half an hour of discussions and efforts by the authorities, the protesters finally lifted the blockade. They moved away from the railway tracks, allowing train services to resume. Once the protest ended, railway operations gradually returned to normal, and stranded trains started running again.
The protesters maintained that their demonstration was peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to what they described as injustice during the voter list correction process. They said that many genuine voters are being questioned or troubled under the SIR system and demanded a review of the procedure to ensure fairness and transparency.
Railway officials stated that passenger safety is always the top priority and any obstruction on the tracks is a serious matter. They urged people to choose lawful and safe ways to express their concerns so that public services are not affected.
This incident once again highlights how public protests, even when peaceful in intention, can disrupt essential services like railways, which millions depend on every day. Authorities have said they will remain alert to prevent similar situations in the future and ensure smooth train movement across the region.
