Passengers across Jharkhand are facing significant disruptions as members of the Kurmi community have blocked rail routes in a large-scale protest, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The "Rail Roko Andolan," initiated by the Adivasi Kurmi Samaj Manch, has brought train services to a standstill at more than 15 locations throughout the state on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The Kurmi community are also asking for the Kurmali language to be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Thousands of protesters, many dressed in traditional attire and carrying drums, began gathering at railway stations as early as 4 a.m., effectively occupying tracks and halting train operations. Demonstrations have been reported at Rai, Muri, Tatisilwai, and Mesra railway stations in Ranchi, as well as in Giridih, Chakradharpur, Jamtara, Dhanbad, and Bokaro. In Dhanbad, clashes erupted at Pradhankhunta railway station when security forces attempted to clear the tracks.
The Kurmi community's movement for ST status has been ongoing for years, marked by a major protest in 2022 that lasted nine days and another in 2023 that stretched over a week. While the movement was paused in 2024 due to general and assembly elections, the demand reached Jantar Mantar in Delhi earlier in 2025. Chhotelal Mahto, a senior central vice president of the Kurmi community, stated that the Kurmi community was included in the ST list in the 1931 census, but was removed in 1950 without justification.
The rail blockades have resulted in the cancellation, diversion, and rescheduling of numerous trains, significantly impacting passenger movement on the Howrah-New Delhi main line. The Dhanbad division has cancelled the Hatia-Bardhaman MEMU (13504) and Hatia-Kharagpur MEMU (18036), while the Dhanbad-Alappuzha Express (13351) was rescheduled. The Ranchi-Chhapra Express (18613) has been diverted via the Ranchi-Tori route. Some of the other trains cancelled include the Ranchi–Patna Vande Bharat Express, Tatanagar-Gua, Hatia–Asansol Express, and Ranchi–Dumka Express.
The South Eastern Railway (SER) confirmed that its operations were partially hit due to the agitation. Protesters have blocked tracks in multiple sections, including Sini–Gamharia, Rakhamines–Galudih, and Latemda–Jhimri.
Railway authorities have responded by deploying additional personnel and coordinating with local administrations to manage the situation. Security measures have been heightened, including the deployment of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Government Railway Police (GRP), and state police, along with CCTV surveillance and drone monitoring. Authorities have warned of strict action against those damaging railway property, stating that any losses will be recovered from offenders. The Ranchi administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS) in a 300-meter radius of various stations.
Several political parties, including the AJSU party, have expressed support for the Kurmi community's demands. Jairam Mahato, an AJSU Party MLA and head of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, stated that the movement is not only about tribal status but also about recognizing the Kurmali language and protecting land rights.
Passengers are advised to verify their train status before traveling, as the disruptions are expected to continue. The Kurmi community has announced that the "Rail Roka-Dahar Chheka" (rail and road blockade) will continue indefinitely until their demands are met.
