‘Rail roko’ agitation starts in Punjab, train services suspended

TIL Desk/National/Chandigarh/ Farmers in Punjab on Thursday began their three-day ‘rail roko’ agitation to protest against the three farm bills while the Ferozepur Railway division suspended the operation of special trains due to the stir. Railway authorities said 14 pairs of special trains will remain suspended from September 24 till 26.

The decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety of passengers and protection of railway property from any damage, officials said.  Among the trains which will remain suspended are Golden Temple Mail (Amritsar-Mumbai Central), Jan Shatabdi Express (Haridwar-Amritsar), New Delhi-Jammu Tawi, Karambhoomi (Amritsar-New Jalpaiguri), Sachkhand Express (Nanded-Amritsar) and Shaheed Express (Amritsar-Jaynagar), officials said.                      

At present, routine passenger train service remains suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The call for ‘rail roko’ agitation was given by the Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee and later, different farmers’ outfits also extended their support.