Bihar Bandh Disrupts Rail Traffic as Protesters Block Trains
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi during Bihar Bandh protests! (Image INC India)
Ministry of Railways Issues List of Affected Trains; Congress and RJD Join Protest Against ‘Voter Suppression’
By AMIT KUMAR
PATNA, July 9, 2025 — The Bihar Bandh called on Wednesday by the opposition INDIA bloc led to major disruptions in train services across the state. The Ministry of Railways released a list of 17 trains that were either halted, delayed, or disrupted due to protest activities in districts like Samastipur, Danapur, and elsewhere.
The bandh was called in protest against the alleged voter suppression during the ongoing special drive for the verification of electorate who entered the roll after 2003 in Bihar. The RJD, Congress, and Left parties took part in the shutdown, accusing the BJP and Election Commission of manipulating the electoral process.
The Ministry of Railways reported that train services were hit in multiple locations, including:
- Narhan, Darbhanga, Bihta, Bihiya, Gaya, and Madhubani, where rail roko, sloganeering, and public demonstrations were observed.
- Protesters reportedly blocked platforms, waved flags and banners, and carried out marches in areas such as Ara, Sheohar, Sabzi Mandi, and Khagaria.
- In Gaya, Darbhanga, and Jamui, slogans were raised and movement of passengers disrupted briefly.
Notably, trains like 13211 (Narhan), 12392 (Bihiya), and 12565 (Darbhanga) were stopped or faced crowd intervention. Some demonstrations, such as those in Samastipur (Jaynagar) and Danapur (Jhajha), involved protestors entering platforms and shouting slogans. While no cases of vandalism, arson, or major violence were reported, security was heightened to prevent escalation.
JD(U): Law and Order Under Control, Khemka Murder Case Solved
Amid the bandh, the ruling JD(U) hit back at the opposition, issuing a statement on the swift progress in the investigation into the murder of businessman. JD(U) national spokesperson Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said, “The police have arrested both the key shooter and the mastermind in record time. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar personally monitored the case and ensured strict instructions were issued to expedite the arrests.”
He lauded the administration’s response, stating that law and order remain strong under Nitish Kumar, and accused Leader of the Opposition Tejashwi Yadav of politicizing the issue. “Nitish Kumar’s Bihar is safe for women and citizens—unlike the fear-stricken environment during the RJD rule,” Prasad added.
Congress and RJD Rally Around ‘Votebandi’ Protest
Meanwhile, the Congress party welcomed Rahul Gandhi at Patna Airport, who arrived to participate in the protest. “Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi has joined the statewide agitation against ‘votebandi’ and electoral injustice,” said a Congress spokesperson, describing the movement as a democratic fight to “safeguard the Constitution.”
Despite widespread disruption, Eastern Central Railway clarified that no damage, fire, or accidents occurred during the bandh. The administration remained alert throughout the day and assured the public that train operations would resume normalcy as the situation stabilizes.
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