A 12-hour bandh began in Singur on Saturday even as those who had given their land willingly for the Tata Motors Nano car project continued their overnight blockade of Durgapur Expressway demanding re-opening of the plant.

Supporters of the bandh, called by the CPI-M, blocked the Howrah-Burdwan chord line at Kamarkundi railway station holding up trains.

Shops were closed and there was no traffic on Durgapur Expressway, which is beside the plant site.

Many of the overnight protesters were women and a large number of policemen were deployed to maintain peace.

The protesters had blocked the expressway, set ablaze tyres and raised slogans against those opposing the project last night.

The situation was tense but under control, police said.