Madhubani: Demanding stoppages for long-distance trains and improved railway infrastructure, members of the Mithilanchal Sangharsh Samiti on Sunday staged a sit-in protest at Ghoghardiha railway station in Madhubani, drawing a large crowd despite rain.The protest was led by the committee’s chairman, Eng Gaurishankar Yadav. Secretary Dharmendra Kumar Mandal, convener Shankar Jha, Panchayat Samiti member Sushil Kamat and several supporters, who also participated in the demonstration.Addressing the gathering, Yadav said Ghoghardiha was among the highest revenue-generating stations in the Samastipur division of East Central Railway but continued to be denied stoppages for long-distance express trains, causing hardship to thousands of passengers in the region.The committee submitted a seven-point charter of demands, including stoppages for the Saharsa-Charhatta Express (14627/14628), Amritsar-Katihar Express (05735/05736) and regular stoppage of the New Jalpaiguri-Amritsar Express (14663/14664) at Ghoghardiha station.Other demands include construction of a new railway line between Ghoghardiha and Ghoghepur, a connecting road from the eastern foot overbridge to the Kisanipatti meeting path, expansion of passenger amenities at Parsa-Basuari Halt and stoppage of the Jogbani-Danapur Express (13211/13212) at Chikna Halt.Despite heavy rain and adverse weather, protesters remained at the station premises. Yadav said the turnout reflected the determination of local residents and showed that the agitation was a fight for their rights and self-respect rather than a symbolic protest.The committee warned that it would continue its agitation if the demands were not addressed by the railway authorities.
