Punjab Bandh disrupts Haryana: Dappar Toll blocked, Trains halted at Ambala Cantt

The Punjab bandh called by farmers on Monday caused significant disruptions in Haryana, particularly near the Dappar toll plaza on the Ambala-Chandigarh expressway. Protesters gathered in large numbers at 7 am near Gholu Majra village in Mohali district, blocking the key Chandigarh-Delhi highway. This left commuters stranded and affected bus services across Punjab.

To assist travellers, the Ambala police issued a traffic advisory suggesting alternative routes. Commuters were advised to use routes via Panchkula, Barwala, Mullana, Yamunanagar, Radaur, Ladwa, and rejoin National Highway-44 at Pipli or Karnal.

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Train services halted

The Ambala-Chandigarh rail line was also blocked near Lalru station. As a result, the railways cancelled several key trains, including the Kalka-New Delhi Shatabdi Express and Chandigarh-New Delhi Shatabdi Express. Some trains, such as the Ajmer-Chandigarh Vande Bharat Express, were only operating up to Delhi Cantt station. The Daulatpur Chowk-New Delhi Jan Shatabdi Express was short-originated at Ambala Cantt station.

The Northern Railways reported that 221 trains were affected due to the bandh, with 150 trains cancelled across its Delhi, Ambala, and Ferozepur divisions. The disruptions impacted services in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, seven trains were partially cancelled, 14 were regulated, 13 were rescheduled, 15 were short-originated, and 22 were short-terminated.

Railway officials stated that no trains were moving beyond Ambala Cantt station due to blockades at Lalru and Shambhu stations. Passengers faced delays and cancellations in harsh cold weather, highlighting the extensive impact of the protest on daily life and travel.