Punjab Bandh Update: 140 Protest Sites, Key Routes Blocked, Train and Bus Cancellations

Punjab (The Uttam Hindu): Farmers across Punjab observed a statewide bandh on Monday in support of the ongoing protests at the Shambhu and Khanori borders in Haryana and Punjab. From 7 AM to 4 PM, they staged demonstrations at 140 locations, blocking highways and railway tracks, causing major disruptions. Traffic was completely halted on key routes, including Amritsar-Jalandhar-Panipat-Delhi and Amritsar-Jammu.

In response to the bandh, all major universities, including Punjab University in Chandigarh, postponed their exams for the day. Gas stations, petrol pumps, and markets were also shut down, though Ludhiana's Chhoda market remained open despite confrontations between farmers and shopkeepers. Farmer leader Sarwan Singh Pandher emphasized, "We didn’t need to force anyone to close their shops. We had support from the trade association, arhtiya association, Sikh organizations, and unions. Around 270 protests took place."

The rail network faced significant disruptions, with 163 train cancellations, including the Vande Bharat Express. The Jhelum Express, traveling from Pune to Jammu Tawi, was stopped at Jalandhar Cantt station, leaving passengers stranded. Travelers from Uttar Pradesh, Pune, Bihar, Kolkata, and other states encountered considerable difficulties, with many forced to stay in hotels due to the cancellations. Additionally, buses operating on 576 routes from Punjab to eight states were suspended, and buses from Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and other states were unable to enter Punjab, further complicating travel for commuters.