Singur (WB), Oct 4 A 12-hour shutdown began here today in protest against the Tata Motor's decision to pull out Nano car project from Singur.

Most of the shops and markets are closed in the area and vehicular traffic are also off the roads.

Supporters of the shutdown blocked the Howrah-Burdwan Chord line at Kamarkundi railway station, holding up trains.

Farmers, who gave their land for the Nano project, blocked the Durgapur expressway besides the Tata's plant since last night protesting against the decision.

The situation was tense but under control, police said.

The Tatas on Friday decided to pull out its one-lakh car Nano project out of West Bengal after the talks failed with the West Bengal Chief Minister Budhadeb Bhattacharjee in Kolkata.

He said he had to take the decision considering the situation on the ground.

Trouble began after the West Bengal Government acquired 1000 acres of farmland for the Tata Motors'' small car plant at Singur last year. The State Government offered compensation, which some farmers rejected.

Mamata then took up the fight of the farmers, demanding that at least 400 acres of the acquired land be returned to farmers. (ANI)