Farmers' agitation in Punjab disrupts train services; 9 cancelled, 37 short-terminated

The agitation by farmers in Punjab has been causing great inconvenience to the Indian Railways and its travellers. The protesting farmers have been squatting on railway tracks thus disrupting smooth movement of trains through the state.

In view of the ongoing protest, the Railways has cancelled the operation of trains to Mata Vaishno Devi from Monday.

Train no. 02919 (UP) Dr Ambedkar Nagar Shree Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Special Express and 02920 (Down) Shrimata Vaishnodevi Katra Dr Ambedkar Nagar Special Express running on November 18 have been cancelled due to the protests, say railway officials. 

The same set of Special Express trains will also remain cancelled on November 21.

According to a circular released by the Indian Railways, 27 festival special trains have been cancelled and 37 have been short-terminated due to the farmers' agitation. The Railways has been forced to cancel 9 express trains as well.

Protests by the farmers have caused massive loss to the Indian Railways. Officials say that the losses incurred are to the tune of Rs 1,670 crore.

The protest is for the repeal of the Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill 2020, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill.

Last week, both the parties - government and farmer unions - had a meeting and tried to break the logjam but failed. However, both the sides agreed to continue with discussions to find a solution.