India: Authorities suspend interstate vehicle transport between West Bengal and Jharkhand states until at least Sept. 22 due to flooding

Due to flooding in several southern districts of West Bengal State, officials have suspended interstate vehicle transport between West Bengal and Jharkhand states until at least Sept. 22. Authorities have attributed the flooding to the release of water from local dams. Officials are reportedly permitting private vehicles and ambulances to cross the border for emergency purposes. The situation has notably halted the passage of passenger buses and created long queues of freight-carrying trucks on both sides of the shared border, some of which are carrying perishable goods. Additionally, activists affiliated with the Communist Party of Jharkhand have launched a protest blockade in that state to denounce the interstate transport suspension. Authorities may extend, rescind, or otherwise modify the interstate vehicle transport suspension on short notice.

The flooding and associated interstate vehicle transport suspension will likely cause supply chain and business disruptions in some areas. Further protest activity may materialize in West Bengal and Jharkhand states over the coming days. Authorities will likely deploy a heightened security presence to the West Bengal-Jharkhand border area as well as any areas subject to demonstrations. Clashes between demonstrators and police cannot be ruled out.