Chandigarh: A major protest by farmers in Punjab has significantly disrupted rail services, causing delays for numerous trains, including the Shatabdi express from Chandigarh to New Delhi. The protest, organized by various farmer groups, has highlighted their ongoing grievances related to crop prices and other agricultural issues.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the demonstration impacted a total of 20 trains, with the Shatabdi train (12046) experiencing a two-hour delay. This train, which was scheduled to reach New Delhi at 3:30 pm, was deliberately held at its origin station in Chandigarh to avoid mid-journey stops that could lead to further delays and inconvenience for passengers.

A senior railway official commented on the strategic decision to delay the train’s departure: “We decided to delay the train’s start at the origin itself rather than stopping it midway and causing more inconvenience to passengers.” The official noted that they expect the train to cross Lalru by 3 pm, around the time the farmers’ protest is anticipated to conclude.

Passengers affected by the delays expressed their frustrations, with one noting the disruption to scheduled meetings in New Delhi. The ongoing farmers’ protest, while aimed at drawing attention to significant agricultural issues, has also disrupted daily life and traffic in the region, adding layers of complexity to the public’s travel plans.

Railway authorities are actively working to manage the disruptions and restore normalcy as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, travelers are advised to stay informed about the status of their trains and plan accordingly.