Punjab Farmers' Bandh Halts Transport and Shuts Businesses Across State

A nine-hour shutdown disrupted rail and road traffic, closed markets, and highlighted ongoing farmer demands for MSP guarantees and other reforms.

Over 200 trains, including Vande Bharat and Shatabdi, were canceled or rescheduled, and key highways were blocked by protesting farmers.
The statewide bandh, supported by farmer unions, led to the closure of shops, grain markets, and bus services across Punjab from 7 AM to 4 PM.
The protest centers around demands for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price (MSP), debt waivers, pensions, and justice for victims of past farmer agitations.
Farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike reached its 35th day, adding urgency to the protest as he continues to refuse medical treatment.
Emergency services and essential travel, such as airport commutes and job interviews, were exempted from the shutdown, reflecting organizers' efforts to minimize disruptions for critical needs.