The second day of the farmers' protest in Punjab and Haryana has resulted in widespread disruption of rail and road transportation. As the farmers' stir intensifies, the region has seen about 90 trains affected—that is 84 cancelled and five short-terminated, along with significant roadblocks on major highways, and stranded passengers at various railway stations.

The protesters, representing more than 19 farmer organizations, are demanding a financial package for flood-affected people, a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops, and a comprehensive debt waiver for farmers. Their agitation is set to continue until September 30.

The farmers' protest, primarily focused on pressing their demands for economic relief and policy changes, has caused significant inconvenience for commuters, pilgrims, and travelers alike. As a result, both the rail and road networks in Punjab and Haryana have been severely affected.

The agitation has directly impacted the Ambala and Firozpur railway divisions, causing disruptions in train services. According to the railway officials, over 90 trains have been affected, with some being canceled, routes of several others diverted, and a few trains being short-terminated due to the ongoing protest.

In particular, passengers traveling to destinations including Delhi, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir have faced extensive delays and cancellations. Seven trains were canceled, and 13 were diverted at the Jammu and Katra railway stations in Jammu and Kashmir. The protest has caused chaos for pilgrims and travelers who found themselves stranded at these stations.

The Chandigarh-Ambala-Delhi national highway has been one of the major roadways affected by the protest. The farmers blocked this key highway, causing traffic diversions and delays for hours. Commuters traveling from Chandigarh to Ambala were rerouted through ITI Chowk-Handesra, while those heading from Ambala to Chandigarh had to take alternative routes through Baldev Nagar-Barwala and Ambala via Shabhu barrier.

The traffic situation worsened when the Chandigarh-Ambala highway remained blocked for approximately one and a half hours, resulting in significant inconveniences for commuters and travelers.

However, the traffic on the crucial Chandigarh-Ambala highway was successfully restored around 5:30 pm after being diverted for several hours due to a protest staged by farmers. The farmers had blocked the highway at Lalru earlier in the day, causing significant disruptions.

The protest began at approximately 1 pm when farmers, demanding appropriate compensation for flood-affected victims, gathered and blocked the main Chandigarh-Ambala highway. This action resulted in a traffic diversion plan to ease congestion and ensure the safety of commuters. These temporary routes helped manage the flow of traffic during the protest.

The farmers, who had blocked the highway for approximately one-and-a-half hours, have been advocating for suitable compensation to be provided to those affected by recent floods. Their protest aimed to draw attention to the plight of flood victims and demand government assistance.

While the highway blockade caused inconvenience for commuters, authorities worked diligently to restore normal traffic flow. After negotiations with local authorities, the protesting farmers eventually allowed the highway to reopen, bringing relief to stranded travelers.

The disruptions caused by the farmers' protest have left passengers, including many pilgrims, stranded at various railway stations in Punjab and Haryana. At the Ambala Cantonment station in Haryana, hundreds of passengers bound for destinations like Delhi, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh were stranded due to rail movement being affected in Punjab.

The protesting farmers, representing a coalition of several farmer groups, have put forward a list of demands that they are determined to see addressed. Their demands are Rs 50,000-crore flood relief package for North Indian states affected by recent floods; legal assurance for MSP for all crops in accordance with the recommendations of the MS Swaminathan Commission report; a comprehensive debt waiver for farmers burdened by loans; compensation of Rs 10 lakh and government jobs for the families of farmers who lost their lives during the agitation against the now-repealed three farm laws, among others.

The protesters have expressed their unwavering commitment to their demands and have announced plans to continue the agitation until September 30. Several farmer organizations, including the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee, Bharti Kisan Union (Krantikari), BKU (Ekta Azaad), Azaad Kisan Committee Doaba, BKU (Behramke), BKU (Shaheed Bhagat Singh), and BKU (Chottu Ram), are participating in the protest.

Authorities and railway officials have been working diligently to manage the situation and minimize the inconvenience faced by commuters. Efforts are being made to monitor train traffic and reroute affected services to ensure that passengers can reach their destinations.

Meanwhile, dialogue between government representatives and farmer organizations continues to address the protesters' concerns. Authorities are keen on finding a resolution to the ongoing agitation and have emphasized the need to consider the demands of the farming community.

In conclusion, the farmers' protest in Punjab and Haryana has led to widespread disruptions in rail and road transportation, affecting the lives of passengers and commuters. The protesters remain resolute in their demands for economic relief and policy changes, and the situation is likely to continue evolving as authorities and farmers engage in dialogues to find common ground.

Farmers’ Key Demands

·         Rs 50,000-crore flood relief package for North Indian states affected by recent floods

·         Legal assurance for MSP for all crops, in accordance with the recommendations of the MS Swaminathan Commission report

·         A comprehensive debt waiver for farmers burdened by loans.

·         Compensation of Rs 10 lakh and government jobs for the families of farmers who lost their lives during the agitation against the now-repealed three farm laws