Residents of Basta picketed on rail lines in protest against non-stopping of two trains, Utkal Express and East Coast Express, at the Basta station.
The agitators while stating that these trains were having stoppages in Basta for over three decades alleged that due to the step-motherly attitude of the SE Railways, the trains were not halting at the station.
The picketing while continued for about 3 hours from 8 am till 11 am, it was withdrawn following assurance from the rail authorities.
“The Chief Passenger Transportation Manager assured us telephonically that our demand would be considered favourably and the needful would be done for the best interest of the commuters depending on Basta railway station. Later, the agitation was withdrawn,” said Shyama Prasad Behera, a leader heading the agitation. According to the agitators, the railway station located under Basta constituency serves the purpose of commuters of neighbouring Rasgobindpur and Moroda of Mayurbhanj besides Baliapal and Bhograi blocks of Baleswar.