Protestors block train at Sonarpur demanding level crossing, services hit on Canning line

The Canning branch line is once again engulfed in tension on Wednesday, with residents of Radha Gobind Pally in Sonarpur resorting to a rail blockade following a tragic accident and long-standing safety concerns. The agitated locals are demanding the immediate construction of a permanent level crossing, emphasizing that despite thousands using the railway line daily, there is a severe lack of safety infrastructure. This critical road serves residents from several wards of Rajpur-Sonarpur Municipality and multiple Sonarpur panchayats, including school and college students, office commuters, and patients.

The current unrest was sparked by a harrowing incident on Monday night when a train collided with a four-wheeler, instantly raising alarming questions about the safety of the railway line. The accident ignited deep-seated frustrations among area residents, who have long complained about the perilous conditions of crossing the tracks without proper safety measures. The absence of a permanent level crossing has been a major point of contention for the community.

Adding fuel to the fire, railway authorities began cordoning off the accident site on Tuesday morning. This move, perceived by the locals as a temporary and insufficient solution rather than addressing the root cause, led to an eruption of anger. The residents, already simmering with discontent, took to the tracks, demanding a permanent level crossing at that location instead of superficial measures.

The protesters made it clear that their action was driven by desperation. They emphasized that closing this crucial road without providing a safe alternative would bring public life to a grinding halt. They argued that it is simply not feasible for such a large number of people to rely solely on alternative, often circuitous, routes for their daily commutes and emergencies.

The agitating residents have firmly stated that their rail blockade will continue indefinitely until their demand for a permanent level crossing is met. Upon receiving information about the protest, police forces swiftly arrived at the scene, attempting to de-escalate the situation. However, the determined protesters engaged in heated arguments with the police, reiterating their steadfast resolve to continue the blockade until their safety concerns are addressed.