Locals block train tracks demanding station renovation

Train services was disrupted in the South-east section following a rail block at the Markona railway station by some local people from Simulia and Khaira blocks in Balasore districts demanding renovation of the station and halt of three Express trains at the station.

Members of the Simulia Khaira Nagarika Manch staged the block on Saturday morning and demanded that Puri-Howrah, Jagannath and Dhauli Express trains must be halted at the Markona station.

They were staging indefinite hunger stir at the station premises for the last two days following which they started rail roko movement.

As a result of this incident, the Howrah- Puri Passenger train was stranded at this station while many other long distance trains were stranded in various stations.

Following the intervention of the district administration and the senior railways officials the block was finally lifted on Saturday afternoon, eight hours after the block was put up. Many trains were cancelled following the incident.

A senior official of the South Eastern Railways said senior railways officials reached the spot and urged the demonstrators to lift the block and they also talked to the local administration.

On Saturday afternoon, the agitation was finally lifted. The train services were restored and situation became normal gradually.

At around 7.45 am on Saturday, the local people put up the rail block. The trains which were cancelled following the incident are Up 12073 Howrah- Bhubaneswar Janshatabdi Express, Up 12277 Howrah- Puri Shatabdi Express.