Punjab Farm Protests: Agitations Over Agrarian Bills Lead To Rs 1,200 Cr Loss To Indian Railways

As per the data from the Railway Ministry, to date, more than 2225 freight rakes carrying vital commodities could not be operated due to the blockages caused by the protestors. Around 1350 have been forced to be canceled or diverted.

(File Photo/ PTI)

New Delhi: As per the estimates of the Railway Ministry, the department has incurred losses worth Rs 1200 Crores due to the ongoing agitation against the farm bill in Punjab. As per the data from the Railway Ministry, to date, more than 2225 freight rakes carrying vital commodities could not be operated due to the blockages caused by the protestors. Around 1350 have been forced to be canceled or diverted. According to data from the national transporter, they said. "Loss already expected to have crossed Rs 1200 crore as agitators have continued dharna at platforms/near the railway track. Train movement had to be suspended due to operational and safety considerations as agitators have suddenly stopped some train movements and sporadic blockade continued at various places especially around Jandiala, Nabha, Talwandi Sabo and Bathinda," an official said. "Due to the continued blockages at sections of tracks in Punjab, there has been a major adverse impact on freight movement and hence on availability of vital commodities for farm, industrial and infrastructure sector as well," the official said. In an earlier move, Piyush Goyal the Railway Minister had written to the Punjab chief minister seeking assurance about the safety of tracks and running staff to resume operations. Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is scheduled to lead a 'dharna' of Congress MLAs at Rajghat here on Wednesday following President Ram Nath Kovind's refusal to meet a delegation led by him over the Centre's farm laws. The Punjab Chief Minister's Office had on October 21 sought an appointment for the CM and his delegation with the President to urge him to grant his assent to Punjab's farm bills passed last month by the state assembly in a bid to negate the Centre's three farm laws The farmer's protests in Punjab began in late September when the farmers started blocking railway tracks and stations demanding the repeal of new three agriculture-related bills. Farmers in Punjab have expressed apprehension that the Centre's farm reforms would pave a way for the dismantling of the minimum support price system, leaving them at the "mercy" of big corporates. The three farm laws include Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill; Farmers' (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill; and Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill.