Major Airlines Issue Alerts Amid BJP’s 12-Hour Bengal Bandh, Kolkata Faces Transport Disruptions and Protests

Major Airlines Issue Alerts Amid BJP’s 12-Hour Bengal Bandh, Kolkata Faces Transport Disruptions and Protests

Even as the critical political turmoil in West Bengal keeps it on the edge of a sensitive time, ticketing advice was issued for travel on Wednesday (August 28) by key airlines like Vistara, IndiGo, and SpiceJet after the BJP called for a 12-hour ‘Bangla Bandh’. It was in retaliation to an act by the state government after the police used tear gas and baton charging during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally on Tuesday.

The airlines cautioned passengers that such a situation might cause disruptions in local transport due to road blockades, traffic diversions, and jam, especially around the Kolkata airport. Passengers were advised to plan their journeys much in advance, keep a tab on local traffic, and check flight status frequently to avoid any kind of inconvenience on account of bandh.

SpiceJet said in a communication: “Local transport in West Bengal may be disrupted as a result of the Bangla Bandh declared for tomorrow, 28th Aug’24. The advice has been “to check the position of local traffic, keeping a tab on the flight status.” IndiGo also issued similar advisory, asking customers to allow more time in their travel: “Customers who have their travel planned from Kolkata, may experience road blockages and diversions en route to the airport. Please plan your journey with extra travel time to ensure a smooth trip.”

In many cases, travelers had to depend on the airline updates and local news, as Kolkata Traffic Police did not issue specific advisories on their social media channels about the bandh.

The banded had some major impacts across Kolkata and different parts of Bengal. The usual bustle of the streets in Kolkata had taken a backseat with the number of buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis plying down, not to speak of private four-wheelers. While the markets and the shops were open, schools, colleges, and many of the private offices saw low attendance, and many even reported to work from homes.

Train services were also hit badly, particularly on the Bangaon-Sealdah railway route, a busy corridor connecting Kolkata with its suburbs. BJP workers imposed blockades at various railway stations like Barasat Dakshin and Hooghly, and even at significant bridges like the Tala Bridge in Kolkata. TMC workers later resorted to protesting against the bandh, resulting in spats at many places.

The trouble spots included Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas, where BJP supporters got into clashing positions with TMC workers. There were also sporadic incidents in a few other districts, including Maldah and Alipurduar, where the BJP had organized protests and shouts filling the air demanding the resignation of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Security arrangements were beefed up all over Kolkata and other sensitive areas in view of the bandh. Police personnel, including women officers, were deployed at vital locations in view of the bandh to prevent violence and enforce the law. In view of government orders, bus drivers who work for the government were also seen in places like Howrah, Cooch Behar, and Uttar Dinajpur wearing helmets to be safe.

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In spite of political disturbance and disruption of transportation, the West Bengal government firmed up its stand against the bandh. It issued a notification declaring that all offices will remain open and employees were compulsorily asked to report for duty or face disciplinary action. It also said that strong legal action will be taken against those who indulge in violence or resort to forceful implementation of the bandh.

As the situation unfolds, citizens and travelers are encouraged to follow the media for further information through official channels and take any precaution needed.