Running trains now would mean a renewed surge in Covid cases, chief minister Mamata Banerjee said on Friday, suggesting the suburban services will remain suspended for now.

“Whatever restrictions are in place, they are in place to contain the spread of Covid-19. First let us fully reduce the Covid numbers. People will face difficulties because of the curbs…. Running trains now would mean a surge in Covid cases. Who will take responsibility then?” Mamata said at Nabanna in response to a question on the agitations at railway stations, demanding resumption of suburban services.

“The lockdown and curfew enforced at other places have not been enforced here. Almost everything is operational here…. Many offices, from government to other places, have implemented the work-from-home culture. Many offices are arranging for the transport of their workers. Vegetable sellers have the option of coming in cars. Markets and vegetable mandis are open,” she said.

Suburban railway services have been suspended since May 6, part of a slew of measures to combat the surge in Covid-19 cases. Metro, too, has benched its fleet except for a few designated groups.

On Thursday, two letters — from the assistant general manager of Eastern Railway and the divisional railway manager of the Sealdah division — were sent to the state government. The railway authorities shared their concerns about the protests and sought the state’s help.

On Thursday, protesters at Mallikpur station — between Baruipur and Subhasgram on the Sealdah-Diamond Harbour stretch — allegedly turned violent, hurling stones at cops who had gone there to end the blockade.

Personnel of the GRP, including an officer, and the RPF were injured.