Passengers across Jharkhand are facing significant disruptions as Kurmi community members have launched a "Rail Roko Andolan" (rail blockade) to demand recognition as a Scheduled Tribe (ST). The protests, which began on Saturday, September 20, 2025, have led to the cancellation, diversion, and rescheduling of numerous trains, leaving many passengers stranded at railway stations.
The Kurmi community, currently categorized under Other Backward Classes (OBC), is staging demonstrations across Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha. The Adivasi Kurmi Samaj Manch is spearheading the "Rail Roko-Dahar Chheka" (rail and road blockade). Agitators are demanding ST status and official recognition of the Kurmali language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Thousands of protesters have occupied railway tracks at key stations, including Muri, Tatisilwai, Mesra, and Rai in Ranchi, as well as Giridih, Chakradharpur, Jamtara, Dhanbad, and Bokaro. Some blockades started as early as 4:00 AM, catching passengers unaware. In Hazaribagh, the Kurmi community brought rail operations to a standstill at Charhi railway station. There were reports of clashes at Pradhankhunta railway station in Dhanbad when security forces attempted to clear the tracks.
The rail blockade has significantly impacted train services in the Dhanbad, Chakradharpur, Ranchi, Adra, Howrah, and Asansol railway divisions. Several trains have been canceled, including the Hatia–Burdwan MEMU Express and the Hatia–Kharagpur MEMU. The Dhanbad–Alappuzha Express was rescheduled, and the Ranchi–Chopan Express was diverted via an alternative route. By 2 PM on Saturday, the Railways had canceled 28 trains, diverted 21, and rerouted 23.
Passengers have been left stranded at various stations, facing uncertainty and frustration. One 61-year-old woman traveling to Pune to see her ailing daughter was among those stranded at Ghatshila station. Another woman was trying to reach Raipur to visit her grandson in the hospital. At Ranchi's Muri station, the Tata–Patna Vande Bharat Express was canceled, disrupting travel plans for many, including a man on his way to Gayaji to perform rituals.
Railway authorities have deployed additional personnel and security forces to manage the situation. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is working with state police to maintain law and order. Section 144 has been imposed at several railway stations in Ranchi. Authorities have warned of strict action against anyone damaging railway property.
The Kurmi community's demand for ST status has been ongoing for a long time. They argue that they were included in the ST list in the 1931 census but were removed in 1950 without justification. Community members say that as OBCs, they do not receive the same benefits as STs, particularly in education and employment. Protests were held in 2022 and 2023, but were put on hold in 2024 due to elections.
The agitation has garnered support from various quarters, including JLKM chief and MLA Jairam Mahato. However, tribal outfits under the Sanyukt Adivasi Sangathan are protesting against the Kurmi community's demand for inclusion in the ST category, claiming it is illegal.
The "Rail Roko" is expected to continue indefinitely, causing further disruption to train services and inconvenience to passengers. Railway officials are working to normalize services, but significant disruptions are anticipated. The Calcutta High Court has declared the rail and road blockade unconstitutional and illegal, directing the railways and the state government to maintain law and order.
