Kolkata: Train services in Howrah-Burdwan section were affected for nearly five hours on Saturday morning after a section of railway guards started cease work protesting against the Railways' decision to withdraw the guard box. However, the agitation was lifted later in the day.
To combat the situation, traffic inspectors were deployed to maintain train services. As a result of the disruption of the train services, 30 EMU locals had to be cancelled and three Mail/Express trains were detained enroute for 30 minutes each on an average.
Some guards joined the agitation to protest against the withdrawal of the guard box which, they claim, carry safety amenities for passengers. Ceasework started at around 4.15 am on Saturday when a section of the guards refused to join duties. A press release issued by the Eastern Railway claimed that the move was taken as a measure to maintaining punctuality. It is stated that the system of providing guard box was already abolished in Sealdah division two years ago.
Normal train services were resumed at around 9.05 am on Friday after senior railway officials held a meeting with the agitating guards to solve the issue amicably. It has been decided that one week's time will be granted to those who have requested for preparatory time. No guard box will, however, be allowed to exist after a week. It was also learnt that the guards who were against the decision to withdraw the guard box may meet a top railway official next Wednesday.