High Court order to clear blockade on Durgapur Expressway

Kolkata, Aug 29 (UNI) A single bench of Calcutta High Court today directed the Highway Authorities to immediately ensure free movement of vehicles through highway blocked by the activists protesting the acquisition of farm land for Tata's Nano car factory.

Justice Nadira Patheriya issued the ruling on a petition filed by Calcutta Goods Transport Association seeking an order to clear the blockade on Durgapur Expressway, a vital link to this metropolis.

The highway serves as one of the major freight corridors linking Kolkata with other parts of the country.

The highway has been closed to traffic for straight six days as Trinamool Congress activists protesting acquisition of farmland in Singur for setting up factory for Nano car, the world cheapest four-wheeler to be sold at Rs 1 lakh.

The activists demanding return of 400 acres of the 997 acres land on which construction work was yet to take off. The Tata Motors' has eararked the land for vendors who will supply acillaries to Nano factory.

Justice Pacheriya held that the blockade be removed immediately with the help of central and state agencies.

State Home Secretary Ahoke Mohan Chakraborty said the government will take action after receiving the court order.

The court also today admitted another writ seeking order to clear the blockade on NH 2.

The petition was filed by Rana Pratap Sarkar, who claimed to be a member of the West Bengal Truck Owners Association.

UNI XC PC DB1839