Life across West Bengal was hit on Wednesday during the 12-hour shutdown called by the Trinamool Congress to protest against the violence in Nandigram even as the police arrested 150 bandh supporters.

Roads in the metropolis and adjoining suburbs were deserted with private buses, taxis, auto rickshaws and other modes of transport mostly off the roads.

A few government buses and trams were running with very few passengers.

Shops and commercial establishments were mostly closed, as also educational institutions.

There were reports of obstruction of train services at various places on the Sealdah and Howrah divisions. Rail blockades were also reported from Hooghly and South 24 Parganas district in particular.

Home Secretary P R Roy said bandh supporters set up blockades at several places, but no untoward incident was reported from anywhere in the state.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (HQ) Vineet Goel said tight security arrangements were made at all important areas in the city. Armed Police and the Rapid Action Force were deployed in strength at the Hazra crossing area here considered a stronghold of the Trinamool Congress.

Most ministers were present at the state secretariat, Writers' Buildings where a cabinet meeting was held.

TC has given a call to paralyse normal life throughout the state in protest against "state sponsored terrorism in Nandigram" and the mysterious death of Muslim computer graphics teacher Rizwanur Rehman.

The Information Technology sector has been exempted from the purview of the agitation.