Punjab Farmers' Protest Paralyzes Rail and Road Transport, Strands Thousands in Bitter Cold

The farmers' protest in Punjab has triggered a widescale transportation crisis, with Ambala Cantonment emerging as the epicenter of stranded passengers battling both travel disruptions and harsh winter conditions.

Massive Railway Disruption

The protest has impacted over 220 trains, including major services like the Vande Bharat Express to Katra, Shan-e-Punjab, and the Chandigarh-New Delhi Shatabdi Express. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor also faced significant disruptions, affecting goods movement across the region. According to Ambala DRM Mandeep Singh Bhatia, 74 trains under the Ambala Division alone were affected, though efforts were made to restore services as tracks were cleared.

Human Impact and Ground Situation

At Ambala Cantonment railway station, the scene was one of distress as families, workers, and daily commuters huddled together in blankets, seeking shelter from the cold while waiting for transportation. The situation was particularly challenging for those with children and elderly family members. Sikander Singh, a factory worker from Bihar headed to Patiala, exemplified the plight of many: stranded since morning with no clear timeline for resumption of services.

Bus Services Affected

The impact extended to road transport, with Haryana Roadways forced to suspend bus services to Punjab. Officials reported that 15 buses from the Ambala depot were diverted to alternative routes like Chandigarh and Kalka to minimize passenger inconvenience. Police authorities worked to guide travelers through alternative routes, though many remained stranded at the Ambala Cantonment bus stand. 

Administrative Response

Transportation authorities implemented emergency measures to manage the crisis. The railway administration worked to restore services as quickly as possible once tracks were cleared, while road transport officials focused on creating alternative routes and arrangements for stranded passengers. However, many travelers expressed frustration at both the protest and what they perceived as inadequate governmental response to the crisis.

The situation has highlighted the broader impact of agricultural protests on everyday life, particularly affecting those dependent on public transportation for essential travel. As the crisis continues, authorities face the challenge of balancing protest rights with maintaining essential services for the public.