The Bharat Bandh called by farmers on Tuesday disrupted life in Dhanbad partially with fewer buses and autos on the road while business was hit in markets.

Rail transport remained totally unaffected during the strike as all passenger and goods trains ran on schedule in the Dhanbad division of East Central Railway.

The strike had zero impact on the coal sector as mining activities had been exempted.

Huge traffic jams were seen in the Naya Bazar Chowk and Gaya Bridge areas due to road block by Congress workers on Tuesday. Picture by Gautam Dey

Bandh supporters blocked roads at various places of Dhanbad town, including Naya Bazar, Birsa Munda Chowk, Purana Bazar, besides several suburban areas like Karkend, Govinpur and Katras.

Bandh supporters led by Congress town president Ravindra Verma held a march from Birsa Munda Chowk and moved through various parts of the town like Bank More, Karbala Road, Matkuria, Naya Bazar, Station Road, Court More and Hirapur.

RJD activists of Dhanbad block the Randhir Verma Chowk in Dhanbad during Tuesday's strike as police try to move them. Picture by Gautam Dey

Verma said the anti-people policies of the Centre were apparent in sphere of governance, including the changes in labour laws, commercialisation of mining operations and the introduction of farm bills. “All these measures are aimed at benefitting the capitalist forces in the country,” he said.

Congress workers burn tyres during their demonstration in Dhanbad on tuesday. Picture by Gautam Dey

Long-distance buses and inter-state buses did not operate from Dhanbad in the morning. A few local buses plied within the district. There were fewer autorickshaws on the road throughout the day.

Long distance buses stand at Dhanbad bus stop in Bartand, Dhanbad, as operations remain suspended on Tuesday. Picture by Gautam Dey

Rail transport was unaffected across the Dhanbad division that covers over 140 railway stations and halts. Movement of passenger and goods trains was normal.

RPF jawans keep vigil on the New Delhi-Howrah AC Special (Rajdhani Express) at Dhanbad railway Station on Tuesday. Picture by Gautam Dey

By and large, markets remained open in Dhanbad. But in pockets of Kendua, Karkend, Katras, Phusbunglow, bandh supporters forced many shopkeepers to down shutters. Business was poor through the day as there were fewer buyers.

Patron of Federation of Dhanbad Zila Chamber of Commerce and Industry Rajesh Kumar Gupta said, “Although markets and business establishments remained open, there were fewer customers which meant business was poor.”