Punjab Bandh today: Here's what is open and what's closed on Dec 30; check traffic advisory for key routes
Punjab Bandh: A statewide bandh in Punjab, organised by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) (non-political), is set to affect normal life across sectors on Monday (December 30). The shutdown, scheduled from 7 am to 4 pm, is in support of farmer leader jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month to press for the fulfillment of 13 key agricultural demands. Among these demands is the legal implementation of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for all crops.
Here’s how different sectors are likely to be impacted by Punjab Bandh:
Educational Institutions
Most schools in Punjab are on winter vacation, reducing the immediate impact of the bandh on primary and secondary education. However, higher education institutions have adjusted their schedules. Panjab University issued a circular on Saturday notifying affiliated colleges that exams originally planned for Monday have been rescheduled for Tuesday. Similarly, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) in Amritsar announced that its undergraduate exams set for December 30 would now take place on January 12, 2025.
Fruit and Vegetable Markets
Mandis selling fruits and vegetables are expected to face disruptions as truck operators have extended their support to the farmers. The supply of fresh produce to these markets will be halted until after 4 pm, leading to a temporary scarcity of fruits and vegetables during the day.
Milk Distribution
Milk vendors have decided to stay off the roads during the bandh hours. Distributing milk and returning home before 7 am in the harsh winter conditions has been deemed impractical. Consequently, milk supplies may be delayed or limited until the bandh concludes.
Transport Services
Public and private transportation will be significantly affected. The Ludhiana Transport Dealers Association and the State Transport Dealers Association have both declared that buses and other transport services will resume only after 4 pm on Monday. Farmer unions have announced chakka jams at over 200 spots on highways and link roads, further complicating movement. Rail services will also be disrupted, with tracks blocked at approximately 50 locations across the state.
Fuel Stations and LPG Delivery
While petrol pump operators morally support the farmers, fuel stations will try to remain operational to cater to emergency needs. According to Ashok Sachdeva, Chairman of the Punjab Petrol Pump Dealers Association, efforts will be made to ensure access to fuel during the bandh. However, the delivery of LPG cylinders is likely to be affected due to the transport strike.
Markets and Businesses
The Punjab Pradesh Beopar Mandal has not issued a state-wide closure directive for markets. While the group supports the farmers’ demands, keeping businesses shut would add to the economic strain already affecting the state. Nonetheless, local market closures are anticipated in areas such as Rajpura, Sangrur, Mansa, and Moga, as well as in locations directly impacted by chakka jams.
Government Offices
Government operations are expected to continue as usual, though attendance may be lower than normal. Outstation employees may face difficulties reaching their workplaces due to transport disruptions. No official directive to abstain from work had been issued.
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)
The SGPC has announced its support for the bandh. SGPC president Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami stated that all SGPC offices in Punjab would remain closed for the day.
Services to Remain Functional
Essential services such as medical care will operate without disruption. Additionally, processions for weddings will be allowed to proceed unhindered. Sarwan Singh Pandher, coordinator for KMM and SKM (non-political), assured that the protest would not obstruct medical or wedding-related activities.
Langar For Protesters
Several gurdwaras in districts like Muktsar, Sangrur, Bathinda, Patiala, Moga, Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Gurdaspur have stepped forward to provide langar (community meals) at dharna sites to support the protesters during the bandh.
Farmer leaders have also urged neighbouring states, including Haryana, to participate in solidarity.
Traffic Diversions
Traffic Advisory for December 30, 2024
In light of the Punjab Bandh called by farmer organisations, traffic on key routes may be disrupted. Alternate routes have been planned for smooth travel:
Delhi to Chandigarh:
Delhi → Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → Indri → Ladwa → Yamunanagar (NH-344A) → Mulana → Shahzadpur → Panchkula → Chandigarh.
Delhi → Sonipat → Panipat → Karnal → Kurukshetra → Shahbad → Saha → Shahzadpur → Panchkula → Chandigarh.
➡️ Chandigarh to Delhi:
Panchkula → Ramgarh → Barwala → Shahzadpur → Mulana → NH-344 → Yamunanagar → Radaur → Ladwa → Indri → Karnal → Panipat → Sonipat → Delhi.
Panchkula → Ramgarh → Shahzadpur → Saha → Shahbad → Pipli → Karnal → Delhi.
➡️ Hisar to Chandigarh:
Barwala → Narwana → Kaithal → Kurukshetra → Shahbad → Saha → Shahzadpur → Panchkula → Chandigarh.
Barwala → Narwana → Kaithal → Pehowa → Thol → Shahbad → Saha → Shahzadpur → Panchkula → Chandigarh.
➡️ Chandigarh to Hisar:
Panchkula → Shahzadpur → Saha → Shahbad → Kurukshetra → Kaithal → Narwana → Barwala → Hisar.
➡️ Ambala to Chandigarh:
Ambala Cantt → Capital Chowk → Saha → Shahzadpur → Ramgarh → Panchkula → Chandigarh.
➡️ Ambala to Naraingarh:
Ambala Cantt → Capital Chowk → Saha → Shahzadpur → Naraingarh.
For emergencies, dial 112 for assistance. Stay informed and plan your travel accordingly.
- PTC NEWS
