Trains halted in Punjab as farmers lay siege to railway tracks

Jalandhar: Many trains have been halted by the railway as farmers blocked railway tracks at various locations demanding pending dues of nearly Rs 200 crore and a hike in State Agreed Price (SAP) for sugarcane crop from the state government.

Doaba Kisan Sangharsh Committee had announced to start an indefinite protest from Friday across Punjab by blocking national highways and railway tracks two days back.

Following this, Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced a hike of Rs. 15 per quintal in the State Agreed Price (SAP) of all sugarcane varieties for the crushing season, 2021-22.

A railway spokesperson said that last night it was informed that there was a call by BKU Doaba Unit to sit on a dharma to demand for a hike in MSP of sugar cane and for clearance of dues. Since this morning they have been sitting on the NH near gate S 70 near Dhanowali between Jalandhar- Chaheru section.

“Farmers have moved on the tracks blocking both up and down movement on the main line – LDH-ASR and LDH- Jammu

Railways is in continuous touch with state GOVT . We are trying to defuse the situation. DC and CP are on site,From local administration and ASC/RPF and Chief area manger Ludhiana are on site” the spokesperson said in a statement.

Trains affected due to Kisaan rail roko upto 24 hrs are below:

Amritsar trains

1. Trains running enroute 3 trains

2. Trains waiting to start ex ASr 8 trains

3. Trains stopped enroute : 3 trains

Dn/ 2 , JUC , BEAS

Up / 1 LDH

Jalandhar trains

1. JAT trains enroute 4 trains

2. Trains waiting to start ex JAT/SVDK 10 trains

3. Dn trains stopped enroute

1 train , SCPD