Ranchi(Latehar) ::Farmers in Latehar district staged an unusual protest at Tori Junction railway crossing on Monday, demanding the long-delayed construction of a flyover. Donning coffins and enacting a chameleon play, the protesters delivered a biting satire against the government and political leaders for their broken promises.
The coffin-clad demonstrators highlighted the grim reality of ambulances stuck at the closed railway gate, endangering patients’ lives. Meanwhile, the chameleon act symbolized politicians who change colors after elections — making grand promises before polls but neglecting the people afterward.
A Decade-Long Ordeal
According to the protesters, the Tori railway crossing remains closed for more than 12 hours every day. As a result, traffic snarls have become routine, often creating life-and-death situations.
“The ambulance trapped in traffic and the patient gasping for breath is a scene we face almost daily. How long will the public endure this suffering?” asked one farmer during the protest.
The foundation stone for the flyover was laid on April 3, 2021, at an estimated cost of ₹43 crore. Four years later, construction has yet to begin. The revised estimate now stands at ₹119 crore, but tenders have not been issued. The foot overbridge and underpass, both part of the project, remain incomplete.
“The government excels at laying foundation stones and inscribing names on plaques but abandons citizens to their plight afterward,” said a woman protester, expressing deep frustration.
Memorandum Submitted, Warning Issued
The protest, led by farmer leader Ayub Khan, culminated in the submission of a memorandum to the station superintendent and circle inspector. The farmers demanded the immediate start of the flyover work, activation of the foot overbridge, construction of an underpass, and improvement of the connecting roads. They also called for new express train services and better passenger amenities at the station.
“If the government continues to remain silent, this movement will not stay confined to the railway crossing — it will resonate across the entire district,” warned Ayub Khan.
Hundreds of men and women from nearby villages joined the agitation, signaling mounting public anger. Protesters cautioned that if no action is taken soon, the agitation will intensify into a larger movement.
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