Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Chandigarh and Mohali are likely to witness increased traffic pressure today as 32 farmer organisations from Punjab prepare to enter the city as part of a seven-day protest programme under the banner of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM).
The farmers are expected to start their march at 10 am, with participants travelling from different districts and villages. The mobilisation is being led by senior farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal. Many of the protesters are expected to make the journey in tractor-trolleys, while others will arrive in buses, cars and motorcycles.
The organisations have planned a seven-day sit-in at Sector 48 in Chandigarh. Farmer leaders have held coordination meetings ahead of the march and finalised arrangements for the protest camp.
Traffic Restrictions Announced
With a large number of vehicles expected to converge on Chandigarh, police in both Chandigarh and Mohali have issued an advisory for commuters.
The road connecting IISER Chowk with Chandigarh through Bestech Mall, Phase 11, Mohali and Jagatpura has been closed to vehicular traffic in view of the farmers’ movement. Motorists have been asked to stay away from the affected stretch and use alternate roads.
For those travelling towards Chandigarh, police have suggested three alternative routes. Commuters can use Landran Road followed by the Sector 82/83 stretch and Jagatpura. Another option is to travel through Airport Road, IT City and Aerocity. The third suggested route covers Phase 9, Sector 66/68 and Jagatpura.
Seven-Day Camp Arrangements Ready
Organisers said the protest camp has been prepared to accommodate farmers during the week-long demonstration. Facilities including food, water, medicines and lodging have reportedly been arranged.
Farmer leaders have also asked workers to complete essential preparations before participants arrive, with the aim of ensuring that the prolonged sit-in runs smoothly.
Police have appealed to residents and daily commuters to plan their journeys in advance, follow diversion signs and cooperate with traffic personnel.
The farmers’ march is expected to put additional pressure on roads connecting Mohali with Chandigarh, particularly during the arrival of protestors and tractor-trolleys. Authorities are likely to regulate traffic depending on the movement and volume of vehicles through the day.
