Punjab Bandh: 221 Train Services Severely Disrupted Amidst Farmers’ Protest
Punjab Bandh Causes Major Disruptions in Rail and Road Traffic
Life in Punjab came to a standstill on Monday as the farmers’ ‘bandh’ disrupted train services, road traffic, and commercial activities. The protest, led by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM), demanded a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) and other farmer-centric reforms. Essential services, however, remained operational.
Massive Train Disruptions Across Punjab
Punjab’s railway network bore the brunt of the bandh, with 221 trains impacted. Northern Railways reported the cancellation of 163 trains, including the Vande Bharat Express and Shatabdi Express.
Key highlights of the disruption include:
- Three Vande Bharat Express Trains: Two between New Delhi and Vaishno Devi and one between New Delhi and Amb Andaura were cancelled.
- Shatabdi Express: Services to Kalka, Chandigarh, and Amritsar were halted.
- Additional Adjustments: Seven trains were partially cancelled, 14 were regulated, 13 were rescheduled, and 22 were short-terminated.
Rail blockades at multiple sites, including NH-44 near Phagwara and the Behram toll plaza, caused widespread inconvenience. Grain markets across the state also shut down in solidarity.
Farmers’ Demands: Why the Bandh?
The farmers’ protest stems from the Centre’s alleged reluctance to provide a legal guarantee on MSP for crops. Their demands include:
- A debt waiver and pension for farmers and farm laborers.
- A halt to hikes in electricity tariffs.
- Withdrawal of police cases against protesting farmers.
- Justice for victims of the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence.
Veteran farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal’s hunger strike entered its 35th day, intensifying the call for action. The Supreme Court has instructed Punjab’s government to persuade Dallewal to seek medical care, even granting permission to involve the Centre for logistical support.
Unity Amidst Disruption: What Remained Open?
Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher assured that emergency and essential services remained operational. Passengers traveling for airport flights, job interviews, or weddings were allowed to pass unhindered.
Pandher expressed satisfaction with the protest’s impact, stating, “Punjabis have shown their unity today. All establishments are closed, and we are witnessing a successful bandh.”
Political Reactions to the Bandh
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann called on the central government to engage in dialogue with farmer organizations. In a post on X, Mann criticized the Centre’s reluctance, saying, “If Modi ji can stop the war between Russia and Ukraine, why can’t he talk to the breadwinners 200 kilometers away?”
What’s Next?
While the bandh will officially at 4 PM, services are expected to resume gradually. With no resolution in sight, the protesting farmers have vowed to continue their struggle until their demands are met.
