Passengers launch ‘Latrine Satyagraha’, demand toilets on Lalgola–Sealdah passenger trains

A protest titled ‘Latrine Satyagraha’ was held at Murshidabad Junction by the Murshidabad Rail Passengers Association, demanding toilets in passenger trains running between Lalgola and Sealdah. The association stated that most of these trains cover a distance of nearly 230 kilometres without any toilet facility, causing severe inconvenience to thousands of daily commuters, including elderly passengers and women.

Protesters highlighted that despite repeated appeals, the issue of basic sanitation remains unaddressed. They demanded that toilets be mandatorily installed in all passenger trains operating on the route. In a satirical statement, they said, “Railway drivers and guards have been given diapers, but no permanent solution is being provided for the passengers.” The demonstration was aimed at drawing attention to what they described as a long-standing passenger grievance.

In addition to toilet facilities, the association also demanded more stoppages for trains heading towards North Bengal. They stated that increasing the number of halts at smaller stations would benefit a large section of passengers who rely on local train services. The protest concluded peacefully at Murshidabad Junction.