Punjab Farmers Allow Resumption Of Passenger Train Services In State For 15 Days, Talks To Continue

Punjab farmers protest: on Wednesday, Punjab farmers' unions decided to allow resumption of passenger train services in the state for 15 days starting on Monday evening.

(ABP News)

The farmers' unions movement started in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan against the central government's against contentious agri Bills passed in the monsoon session of Parliament and is still highly active in Punjab. On Wednesday, Punjab farmers' unions decided to allow resumption of passenger train services in the state for 15 days starting on Monday evening. Due to this movement, till November 19, Northern Railway has lost revenue of 891 crores. Also, the Indian Railways has incurred a loss of Rs 2220 crore in terms of earnings.

However, the unions have warned that if talks fail to happen in 15 days, then the agitation will resume. The protests are largely against three bills that were passed by Parliament in the monsoon session -- The Farmers' Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Bill, 2020, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Bill, 2020, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Bill.

Happy to share that starting 23rd Nov night, Kisan Unions have decided to end rail blockades for 15 days. I welcome this step since it'll restore normalcy to our economy. I urge Central Govt to resume rail services to Punjab forthwith: Punjab CM after meeting Kisan Unions. https://t.co/fxDhMrloyC pic.twitter.com/5Kkm4yzMUn

— ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2020

According to a report in IANS, The railways have lost a total of Rs 2,220 crore, including Rs 67 crore in passenger revenue, due to the ongoing protests by farmers against the Centre's controversial farm reform laws. Kisan Unions in Punjab sat on the railway tracks to protest against the new agricultural laws.

Northern Railways has suffered a loss of Rs 14.85 crore per day due to non-loading of goods trains. Freight has been widely affected due to the movement. For the inward traffic, there was an average loss of 30 rakes per day and the outward loading affected in the Punjab area stands at 40 rakes per day. A total of 3850 freight trains could not be loaded. Also, transport was affected due to the farmers' movement and the Railways suffered immensely.

India woke up on September 25 with farmers up in arms across the nation against the contentious agri Bills passed in the monsoon session of Parliament. Punjab and Haryana took the lead, no other state could match their spirit.

But two months down the line, it's the Punjab farmers who are still continuing their agitation demanding withdrawal of the agri bills.