Kolkata, July 24 - Normal life came to a standstill in West Bengal Friday as commercial vehicle operators went on strike to protest the state government's decision to implement a high court order banning all commercial vehicles that are over 15 years old.

Serpentine queues were seen in front of several bus and auto stands across Kolkata. Despite promises by Transport Minister Subhas Chakraborty, very few government buses were seen plying on the roads in and around the city.

'We're facing a harrowing time as we can't get to office due to this transport strike. I was supposed to attend an important meeting in my office but failed to reach there,' said Asim Dutta of Howrah district, a bank employee.

A large number of private schools here had already declared a holiday Friday in view of the strike called by at least 17 commercial vehicle operators' groups.