Indian Railways (IR) has lost over Rs 1200 crore due to the farmer agitation in Punjab as on date. The agitation is yet be called off.
Over 2225 freight rakes (as on date) could not be operated as agitators did a dharna at platforms/near railway track at several locations across Punjab according to a statement from the Railway Board.
Train movement has been suspended due to due to operational and safety considerations as agitators suddenly stopped trains at several locations such as Jandiala, Nabha, Talwandi Sabo and Bathinda.
As of 0600 hours on Wednesday, November 4,2020, agitation was on at 32 locations in Punjab, the statement said.
Freight traffic affected
The blockade has had a severe impact of both in bound and out bound freight traffic in Punjab. Loaded freights bound for Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh amd Himachal Pradesh remained stuck for up to 15-20 day periods.
Outbound goods loading from Punjab has been badly affected.Movement of food grain, container, automobile, cement, PET coke, and fertilisers were the worst hit.On an average 40 rakes per day are loaded from Punjab
Inward traffic to Punjab has been affected (outward from other than Punjab Area).Freight trains with container, cement, gypsum, fertilizer, POL are not being able to reach key locations in Punjab. On an average this translates to a loss of 30 rakes per day.
Passenger trains cancelled
All passenger trains passing through the state of Punjab has been adversely affected. Over 1350 passenger trains have been cancelled, diverted or short terminated as on date.
The Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal wrote to the Chief Minister of Punjab on October 26, 2020 seeking assurance about safety of tracks and running staff to resume operations.
Farmer agitation in Punjab
Farmers in Punjab started the agitation on September 24,2020 protesting against the passing of three farm bills in the Parliament.
They started blocking railway tracks and stations. IR suspended all train movements in Punjab effective October 1, 2020 in four of its divisions – Firozpur and the Punjab areas of Ambala, Delhi and Bikaner divisions.
The agitators allowed goods train movement subject to conditions from October 22,2020.
However, two days later, train movement was suspended due to operational and safety reasons. This was done as sporadic blockade continued to persist at several places near Amritsar, Nabha, Talwandi Sabo, Firozpur, Moga, Jandiala, and Bathinda.
