Punjab Bandh: Over 150 Trains Cancelled, Farmers' Protest Hits Traffic

Farmers in Punjab have called for a statewide shutdown (Punjab Bandh) on December 30, 2024, starting from 7 am to 4 pm. Amid the protest, road and rail services have been affected.
punjab bandh

Farmers in Punjab are observing a protest on December 30, from 7 am to 4 pm. This statewide shutdown, also called the Punjab Bandh, has led to the cancellation of over 150 trains and a heavy traffic jam on the road due to disruption in bus routes. It's important to note that emergency services will continue to operate.

According to the Mint report, a senior farm leader said, “Farmer union leaders will enforce a chakka jam on roads and rail lines from 7 am to 4 pm. Government and private institutions are requested to stay closed. Only emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, marriage vehicles, or anyone in a dire emergency, will be allowed to pass.”

The decision of the Punjab Bandh came last week by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha. Reportedly, Sarwan Singh Pandher, the coordinator of both forums has said that traders, transporters, employees unions, toll plaza workers, labour, ex-servicemen, Sarpanches and teachers' unions, social and other bodies, and some other sections have given their support for the protest.

Farmers under both banners have been camping at the Shambhu and Khanauri border points between Punjab and Haryana since February 13, 2024, after their march to Delhi was restricted by security forces.

Punjab Bandh: Trains and Bus Services Disrupted

The farmers' protest has blocked the key routes in Punjab, including Airport Road at IISER Chowk in Mohali, Kurali Road Toll Plaza, Ambala-Delhi Highway Toll Plaza near Lalru, and the Kharar-Morinda Highway. Marketplaces and highways in the state also remain shut.

The farmers' ‘Rail Roko Andolan’ protest significantly disrupted railway services, resulting in up to 221 trains getting affected, 14 of which have been rescheduled and 157 of which have been cancelled, according to PTI.

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Punjab Bandh: Why Are Farmers Protesting?

Farmers in Punjab are observing a statewide 'Punjab Bandh' today to demand a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops, debt waivers, and other concessions. The protest, led by SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, has been ongoing since February 13. Meanwhile, 70-year-old farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike has entered its 35th day, with no end in sight until the government meets their demands.

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