Train services were disrupted at the Markona railway station in Baleswar district on Saturday as locals of Simulia and Khaira blocks staged a Rail Roko demanding stoppage of three Express trains at the station.
The Simulia Khaira Nagarika Manch demanded that the Puri-Howrah, Jagannath and Dhauli Express trains be halted at the Markona station. After staging a hunger stir for the last two days, the activists staged Rail Roko as a result of which the the Howrah- Puri Passenger train was stranded for hours. The activists also observed Simulia bazaar bandh on the day. Shops and other business units remained closed. As activists continued to sit on tracks, the district administration clamped prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC for smooth running of trains.