PROTEST FOR HALTS OF TRAINS

PROTEST FOR HALTS OF TRAINS

26-OCT-ENG 9

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------A one-day peaceful protest was organized under the aegis of the 'Rail Yatri Kalyan Samiti' (Railway Passenger Welfare Committee) to demand the restoration of passenger and MEMU train halts—which existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic—at Ramanand Tiwari Halt, as well as the overall development of the halt. The protest gathering was presided over by Ramesh Kumar Sudama, while the proceedings were moderated by Pankaj Tiwari.

Addressing the gathering, speakers noted that Ramanand Tiwari Halt was established in memory of the late Ramanand Tiwari, a former Home and Police Minister, and serves as a vital transport hub for residents of dozens of surrounding villages. A degree college, named after the late former Chief Minister Bindeshwari Dubey, is also located near the halt; it attracts a large number of students and teachers daily from far-flung areas.

The speakers pointed out that although the operations of passenger and MEMU trains—which were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic—have since resumed, these trains no longer stop at Ramanand Tiwari Halt. This has caused significant inconvenience to students, daily commuters, farmers, and laborers. Participants alleged that while train halts have been restored at several other stations that generate lower revenue, this important halt continues to be neglected. Addressing the protest gathering, Jan Suraj spokesperson Padma Ojha stated that the neglect of railway services—considered the lifeline of rural areas—will not be tolerated. She noted that students and the general public are being forced to struggle just to meet their basic needs, and urged the railway administration to take the public's concerns seriously.

Sudhir Singh, National President of the Rail Passenger Welfare Committee, remarked that the railway administration remains indifferent toward the essential amenities required by the public. He warned that if a decision on their demands is not reached soon, the protest will not remain confined to the halt station but will instead be expanded into a broader, more intense movement.

Shailesh Kumar Ojha emphasized that the stoppage of trains is crucial for the development of the region and for the convenience of students. He appealed to the railway administration to acknowledge public sentiment and take prompt action.

The committee demanded the immediate restoration of the train halts—which existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic—at Ramanand Tiwari Halt. These include trains 63233 Up, 63225 Up, 63263 Up, 63231 Up, as well as 63232 Down and 63226 Down.

Furthermore, the committee requested the construction of a paved access road from the main road to the halt, the installation of adequate LED and high-mast lighting on the platform, the provision of modern, clean restrooms for both male and female passengers, and the availability of pure, chilled drinking water.

Following the conclusion of the protest, a memorandum of demands—addressed to the Railway Minister, the Chairman of the Railway Board, the General Manager of East Central Railway (Hajipur), and the Divisional Railway Manager (Danapur)—was submitted to the railway administration officials.

The committee has given the railway administration a one-month deadline, stating that if the demands are not met within this period, the local population will be compelled to launch a widespread and intense public agitation. It was stated that the entire responsibility lies with the railway administration.

The protest saw the participation of a large number of students, farmers, local intellectuals, and ordinary citizens, including Ras Bihari Rai, Manoj Kumar, Vijendra Mishra, Vijay Yadav, Mukhiya Shiv Kumar Yadav, Hardiya Panchayat Sarpanch Dinesh Pandey, Ashutosh Pandey, Pankaj Tiwari, Ankit Tiwari, Chandan Ojha, Haresh Pal, and Nandkishore Yadav.