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Punjab Bandh Disrupts Rail and Road Services; Over 220 Trains Affected Major Traffic Disruptions Across Punjab

Punjab Bandh

News

Author: Sreesha Thakur

Published: December 30, 2024

The ongoing Punjab bandh has caused major disruptions. Road and rail travel across the state is affected. So far, 221 trains have been affected. Of these, 157 were cancelled, 14 were rescheduled, and others experienced delays or diversions. The Punjab Bandh was called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. They want the federal government to meet farmers’ needs. This includes a legal guarantee for the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops.

Prominent Trains Cancelled

Important rail services, including the Shatabdi Express and the Vande Bharat Express, are affected. Two trains on the New Delhi-Vaishno Devi route and one on the New Delhi-Amb Andaura route have been cancelled. This means three Vande Bharat Express trains are no longer running. Three Shatabdi Express trains from New Delhi are also stopped. They are headed to Kalka, Amritsar, and Chandigarh. Luxury trains in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir are facing cancellations and delays.

Obstacles and Main Traffic Disturbances

Farmers have blocked several key roads and highways. These are the Kharar-Morinda Highway, Ambala-Delhi Highway, Airport Road at IISER Chowk in Mohali, and Kurali Road Toll Plaza. Roadblocks have blocked vehicle movement at over 200 sites in Punjab. Protests were documented in Amritsar close to the Golden Gate entrance point, and the main Bathinda Rampura Phul road was blocked as well.

Guideline for Travellers

For travellers going from Delhi to Chandigarh, Ambala police suggest alternate routes. You can take the roads through Panchkula, Barwala, Mullana, Yamunanagar, Radaur, and Ladwa. Another option is NH-44 at Pipli. The Punjab Bandh does not affect emergency services. This includes medical needs, airlines, and travel for weddings.

Farmers’ Demands and Hunger Strike Intensify

Farmers have been camping at the Punjab-Haryana border posts in Shambhu and Khanaeri since February 13. This bandh is part of their ongoing protest. Sarwan Singh Pandher, a farmer leader, said the bandh aims to push the central government to meet their needs, which include:

  • Legal assurances for MSP
  • Debt cancellation
  • Farming pension
  • Not a change in the electricity rates.
  • Police case withdrawal
  • Justice for Lakhimpur Kheri violence victims in 2021

The hunger strike of 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal has now lasted for 35 days. Dallewal has refused medical care, even as his health worsens. He insists the government must address farmers’ needs. The Supreme Court asked the Punjab government to convince Dallewal to stop his fast and seek medical care. This will help the state ask the Centre for support if necessary.

Supreme Court’s Intervention and Government’s Response

A “jatha” (group) of 101 farmers earlier tried to march to Delhi but was halted by security guards from Haryana. The Supreme Court stressed the importance of communication and medical care for Dallewal. It has ordered the Punjab government to resolve the issue by December 31.

Widespread Impact Across Punjab

The Punjab Bandh has hit businesses hard. Markets and transit providers are mostly shut down across the state. Top officials are keeping a close eye on the situation. Around 600 police officers are deployed in places like Mohali to maintain law and order.

As of early 2025, the Punjab Bandh continues with increased intensity. The Supreme Court has set up a three-member mediation panel. This group will help the Centre and protesting farmers talk after a long standoff. Jagjit Singh Dallewal ended his 42-day hunger strike. The Chief Justice of India stepped in, and central mediators gave assurances. The Centre has proposed a draft framework for legal MSP guarantees and debt relief. Farm unions are now reviewing it. More than 1,200 security personnel are now deployed in protest hotspots. Drone surveillance has also increased to watch crowd movement and ensure public safety.

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