Due to the protests of farmers on the railway tracks at 32 places against the agricultural laws in Punjab, the railways have lost about 1200 crore rupees. Railway officials gave this information on Wednesday. More than 2,225 freight trains carrying essential goods have not been operated due to the ongoing blockade due to the protests. Apart from this, about 1,350 passenger trains have also been canceled or their route has been changed.
Agitation continues at 32 places on Railway premises & tracks in Punjab. Railways continues to lose revenue as freight ops are forcibly suspended due to this.Over 2225 freight rakes couldn’t be operated & over 1350 passenger trains cancelled,diverted or short terminated: Railways pic.twitter.com/ogHpzZO3Iw
– ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2020
Trains are closed for safety
An official said that protesters are continuing their protest near platforms or rail tracks, causing a loss of about Rs 1,200 crore. The movement of trains is closed due to the problems faced by the trains and security concerns due to the protests. The protesters have stopped some trains abruptly and blockades are continuing in many places such as Jandiala, Nabha, Talwandi Sabo and Bathinda.
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Impact on availability of essential goods
According to the information given by the official, the ongoing blockade in some parts of the rail tracks in Punjab has adversely affected the movement of goods trains and the availability of essential goods for the area related to agriculture, industry and infrastructure.
Union Minister sought assurance from Punjab Chief Minister
Earlier, Railway Minister Piyush Goyal had written a letter to the Chief Minister of Punjab seeking reassurance of the safety of railway tracks and railway personnel before resuming operations. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh wanted to meet President Ram Nath Kovind with a delegation regarding the recent Central Agricultural Laws. However, they did not get this permission.
