Siliguri, Sept. 27 -- The Railways has permanently shut the Fuleswari Railgate in Siliguri, triggering protests by local residents who alleged that the closure would cause inconvenience to commuters and create difficulties for emergency services.
The closure process began around 11 pm on Saturday in the presence of a large police contingent. On Sunday morning, the Northeast Frontier Railway issued a notice stating that the level crossing had been permanently closed for road users and advised commuters to use the Road Under Bridge. The double lining work has also began there. However, residents opposed the decision, claiming that the closure would force them to take a longer route to reach Fuleswari. They also raised concerns about the accessibility of the underpass for fire engines and school buses.
"In the event of a fire, emergency vehicles would have to take a longer route through Thana More, Venus More, Court More, Bagrakote to reach Fuleswari. The delay could have serious consequences during emergencies. Even school buses and pedestrians will be unable to use the underpass," said Raju Das, a resident of the area.
Locals further alleged that the underpass becomes waterlogged during the monsoon, raising concerns over accidents involving both small and large vehicles.
On Sunday, local residents staged a protest in front of the closed railgate. CPI(M) leaders and workers also joined the demonstration, opposing the Railways' decision.
CPI(M) leader Shardindu Chakraborty raised allegations against Tourism Minister and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh, as he resides in the ward where the railgate is located. "Ghosh had earlier participated in movements over the railgate when he was associated with the CPI(M), but has remained silent after joining the BJP and becoming a minister," Chakraborty said. The protesters demanded that the Railways reconsider the decision and reopen the railgate. However, no reaction was received from Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh, as he is currently out of station.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.