Rail Roko Agitation in Punjab Disrupts Train Services

Rail Roko Agitation in Punjab Disrupts Train Services

Asif Iqbal | September 29, 2023 | 10:49 PM IST | Breaking News, Punjab, Travel | Follow on Google News

Rail Roko Agitation in Punjab Disrupts Train Services

A significant number of passengers, including pilgrims, faced distress at Jammu and Katra railway stations due to the disruption caused by a “rail roko” agitation by farmers in various parts of Punjab. The farmers’ protest, which began on Thursday, was initiated to voice their demands, including a financial package for flood-related losses, legal assurance of the minimum support price (MSP), and debt forgiveness.

Train Services Impacted

The protest resulted in the cancellation of seven trains and the diversion of 13 others. Farmers participating in the agitation blocked train tracks in multiple locations across Punjab, including Moga, Hoshiarpur, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, Tarn Taran, Sangrur, Patiala, Ferozepur, Bathinda, and Amritsar. This action left passengers stranded and disrupted rail services in the region.

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Railway Response and Diverted Routes

In response to the agitation, railway officials diverted a significant portion of train services to minimize passenger inconvenience. Prateek Shrivastav, a senior railway official, noted that although some trains were affected, approximately 60 to 70 percent of trains were rerouted via alternative routes. Officials were on round-the-clock duty to monitor train traffic and ensure minimal disruption.

Impact on Katra Railway Station

The agitation had a direct impact on Ambala and Firozpur railway divisions, particularly affecting Jalandhar. At the Katra railway station, a significant number of passengers, including pilgrims, faced inconvenience due to train cancellations and diversions. Officials estimated that on a typical day, 15,000 to 20,000 people arrive at the Katra station, with the majority being pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.

Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.