Chandigarh traffic jam: Farmers protest triggers massive traffic congestion across city
A state-level farmers' protest at Chandigarh's Sector 34 Dussehra Ground led to severe traffic congestion across the city
PTC Web Desk: Vehicular movement across Chandigarh was severely disrupted on Friday afternoon as thousands of farmers gathered at the Dussehra Ground in Sector 34 for a state-level protest organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan) and Bharatiya Kisan Union (Dakaunda-Dhaner).
Large convoys of farmers, agricultural labourers, youth and women travelled from Bathinda and several other districts of Punjab to participate in the rally, leading to heavy congestion on major roads. Long traffic queues were reported on routes connecting Sector 34 to Sector 17's Matka Chowk, causing significant inconvenience to office-goers and daily commuters.
The Chandigarh Police, under the supervision of DSP Neeraj Sarna, implemented extensive security arrangements and traffic diversions. Barricades installed with administrative approval further slowed vehicle movement, resulting in prolonged traffic jams across key parts of the city.
According to farmer leaders, the protest was organised against the Central government's alleged anti-farmer policies, trade agreements with the United States, and several long-pending demands of the farming community.
Union leaders are expected to announce the next phase of their agitation, prompting the administration to remain on high alert.
Authorities advised commuters to use alternative routes as traffic diversions remained in place to manage the large gathering.