CPI(M) blocks goods train movement in Orissa

Bhubaneswar, Mar 19 (UNI) Hundreds of CPI(M) activists and leaders were arrested from various places in Orissa for resorting to the rail roko agitation blocking only the goods trains demanding more budgetary allocation for the development of railways in the state.

In Bhubaneswar CPI(M) State Secretary Janardan Pati led the agitation and squatted on the track preventing the movement of goods trains.

The agitation continued for some hours and the Railway authority cleared the track after the demonstrators courted arrest in support of the demands.

Rail roko agitations were also reported from various parts of the state but the movement of passenger trains was not affected during the agitation.

CPI(M) State Secretary Janardan Pati said Orissa required at least Rs 1694 crore to undertake various developmental programmes to complete some of the important ongoing railway projects.

He said the party would intensify its agitation in future demanding early completion of the Haridaspur-Paradip, Lanjigarh- Junagarh, Angul-Sukinda-Dubri, Daitari-Bansapani and Khurda-Bolangir rail link.

The party also demanded the establishment of coach factory at Mancheswar, doubling of several lines and completion of the East Coast Division besides introduction of several new trains keeping in view the demand of the people of the state.

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