Millions of transportation works strike

A strike involving millions of transportation workers employed at airports, rail stations and banks severely disrupted the country on 20 August 2008. The participants were protesting over the increased inflation rate in India. The event was organized by Communist Party-affiliated unions. Flights between New Delhi and Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal state, were suspended, and officials at Kolkata airport (VECC/CCU) stated that flights will remain canceled until 21 August 2008. Transportation by rail and road was severely disrupted in West Bengal, while banking services were slim; 10,000 security personnel have been stationed throughout West Bengal "as a precautionary measure.” Other areas such as Chennai and areas of Tamil Nadu were also affected, but not to the extent as was seen in West Bengal (as the Communist Party is influential in the state).