Punjab farmers’ rail-roko protest enters third day, 598 trains movement hit

3rd day of farmers rail-roko protest, 598 trains affected in Ferozepur rail division

Punjab farmers’ rail-roko protest enters third day, 598 trains movement hit

HARISH MONGA

Ferozepur, September 30, 2023:  On the third day of farmers rail-roko protest in Punjab demanding compensation for crops damaged in the recent floods and a legal guarantee on MSP and a sweeping debt waiver, as many as 598 trains were affected, putting lot of inconvenience to the passengers of Punjab and Haryana especially who had booked the tickets in advance as per their convenience of personal or official programmes and movement of goods.  The agitation has hit the movement of trains, with many being cancelled, short-terminated or diverted.

The three-day protest is scheduled to end on Saturday, the agitating farmers have said.  Their demands include a financial package for the flood-affected people in north India, a legal guarantee for minimum support price (MSP) for all crops and a debt waiver for farmers.  The farmers want a ₹50,000-crore flood relief package for north Indian States and MSP according to the recommendations of the Swaminathan Commission report. They are also demanding a waiver of the entire debt of farmers and labourers, and ₹10 lakh and a government job as compensation to the kin of each farmer who died during the agitation against the now-repealed three farm laws.

Divulging with details, DRM Sanjay Sahu said, some farmers organisations had announced the rail-roko programme for three days in the state.  In Ferozepur rail division, the train stop movement was at 13 places – Manawala-Jandiala stations level crossing Gate C-5, Jalandhar Cantt Yard, Ferozepur Cantt Yard, Golewala Yard, Fazilka, Mallanwala Khas, Talwandi yard at level crossing S-42, Gurdaspur Yard, Hoshiarpur Yard, Tarn Taran Yard and Majitha Yard.

DRM said, keeping in mind the safety and convenience of the railway passengers, the railway administration decided that the affected passenger trains should be completely canceled or partially canceled and some trains should be diverted and operated as possible. Freight trains are being operated as per the situation. In all, 376 trains have been cancelled, 89 short terminated, 46 short originated, and 70 routes changed.

He further said, the total number of passenger trains affected by the rail stop movement is 581 and the number of freight trains is 17. Helpdesks have been installed at the stations so that the passengers do not have to face any inconvenience. Additional ticket counters have been arranged at stations to collect refunds due to ticket cancellations. Adequate availability of food at the stations is being ensured so that the passengers can get the facility of food.

According to the requirement, other transport arrangements are also made by the railway administration for the convenience of the passengers. So far 10788 passengers have received a refund of Rs 52.36 lakh from ticket cancellation at various stations of Ferozepur division, he added.

The total number of passenger trains affected by the rail stop movement is 581 and the number of freight trains is 17. Helpdesks have been installed at the stations so that the passengers do not have to face any inconvenience. Additional ticket counters have been arranged at stations to collect refunds due to ticket cancellations. Adequate availability of food at the stations is being ensured so that the passengers can get the facility of food. According to the requirement, other transport arrangements are also made by the railway administration for the convenience of the passengers. So far 10788 passengers have received a refund of Rs 52.36 lakh from ticket cancellation at various stations of Ferozepur division.