Kolkata, July 9, 2025 – A nationwide strike called by 10 central trade unions and their affiliates significantly disrupted normal life across West Bengal on Wednesday, with widespread road and railway blockades reported in several districts. The protests, which began in the early hours, led to scuffles between strikers and police, halted transportation services, and severely impacted banking operations across the state.
Widespread Disruptions in Kolkata and Beyond
In the state capital, Kolkata, demonstrations caused significant disruptions in areas such as Jadavpur, Ganguly Bagan, and Lake Town. At Jadavpur in South Kolkata, strikers burnt tyres on roads, causing temporary blockades and traffic disruptions. In Lake Town, North Kolkata, protesters blocked major roads, leading to minor scuffles with police who intervened to clear the obstructions. Processions in support of the strike were also reported across the city, with demonstrators voicing demands for better labor policies and economic reforms.
Outside Kolkata, rail and road blockades were reported in multiple districts, including Lalgola in Murshidabad, Durgapur in West Burdwan, Domjur in Howrah, and Bandel in Hooghly. In Domjur, the epicenter of the protests, repeated clashes between strikers and police led to heavy traffic congestion. Authorities resorted to mild lathi-charges to disperse crowds blocking major roads. Similarly, at Bandel station in Hooghly, train services were halted for several hours due to a railway blockade, which was cleared by police after 10 a.m., allowing services to gradually resume.
Impact on Transportation
Railway services, particularly in the Sealdah division of Eastern Railways, faced significant disruptions after 8 a.m. Strikers employed unconventional methods, such as throwing banana leaves on overhead railway wires, to halt train operations in both the main and south sections. Affected areas included Lalgola, Durgapur, Domjur, and Bandel, where blockades caused delays and cancellations. By late morning, police intervention helped restore normalcy in some areas, but the disruptions underscored the scale of the protests.
Road traffic was equally affected, with blockades on major highways causing significant delays. In Balurghat, South Dinajpur, strikers picketed and blocked the Balurghat-Malda state highway, leading to severe traffic congestion and stranding commuters for hours.
Banking Services Paralyzed
The banking sector bore the brunt of the strike, with nearly all public and private bank branches across West Bengal remaining closed. The shutdown extended to several ATMs, leaving residents with limited access to cash and banking services. This widespread closure disrupted daily transactions, affecting both individuals and businesses reliant on banking operations.
Clashes and Police Response
Tensions escalated in several areas due to confrontations between strikers and law enforcement. In Domjur, Howrah, multiple rounds of scuffles were reported as police attempted to clear road blockades. Mild lathi-charges were used to disperse crowds, though no major injuries were reported. In Kolkata’s Lake Town and other affected areas, police interventions were met with resistance, resulting in minor clashes. Authorities maintained a strong presence throughout the day to prevent further escalation and restore order.
Broader Context of the Strike
The nationwide strike was organized to protest against labor policies, rising inflation, and economic challenges faced by workers. In West Bengal, the trade unions’ actions resonated strongly, with significant participation across urban and rural areas. The protests highlighted growing discontent among workers and unions, who are demanding policy reforms to address issues such as job security, wages, and working conditions.
As the day progressed, the situation began to stabilize in some areas following police interventions, but the impact of the strike was felt across transportation, banking, and daily life in West Bengal. Authorities continue to monitor the situation to prevent further disruptions, while the trade unions have vowed to continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.