Bharat Bandh Sparks Traffic Chaos: Farmers’ Nationwide Protest Disrupts Delhi and Noida

The Gautam Buddh Nagar Police have announced stringent measures under CrPC Section 144, including a prohibition on unauthorized public gatherings, across the district in anticipation of the Bharat Bandh called by farmers’ unions on Friday. Similar disruptions are expected in Delhi, with potential traffic snarls due to the nationwide protest by farmers.

Organized by 37 farmers’ groups under the umbrella of Samyukt Kisan Morcha, the Gramin Bharat Bandh aims to highlight the unmet demands of farmers, particularly in support of the ‘Delhi Chalo’ agitation. This movement sees farmers from Punjab marching towards the national capital to pressure the government into accepting their demands, notably the enactment of a law ensuring minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.

The ongoing protests have seen hundreds of farmers marching from Punjab towards Delhi, only to be met with police resistance, including tear gas and barricades. Additionally, mobile internet services have been suspended in seven districts of Haryana.

Also read: INDIA Bloc Gets Another Shock: Farooq Abdullah’s Party To Go Solo In Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Encouraging participation, farmer unions have called upon like-minded organizations to join the Bharat Bandh, scheduled from 6 am to 4 pm. The strike is anticipated to primarily impact rural areas in Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan, regions where farm unions wield significant influence. Highways are likely to face major disruptions, affecting traffic flow.

Traffic Advisory for Delhi:

Delhi is bracing for traffic disruptions, particularly around key routes and borders. Singhu, Tikri, and Ghazipur borders have seen multiple layers of barricades erected in anticipation of the farmers’ march. Commuters have already experienced significant delays in recent days, and similar situations are expected across Delhi-NCR during the Bharat Bandh.

Routes to Avoid:

Major traffic congestion is anticipated around Delhi’s borders, especially at Singhu, Ghazipur, and Tikri. Commuters are advised to steer clear of these areas to avoid inconvenience.

Traffic Advisory for Noida:

Also read: Supreme Courts Puts Full Stop On Electoral Bonds Calling It ‘Unconstitutional’

In Noida, commuters traveling to and from Delhi are advised of potential traffic diversions. The police have recommended utilizing the Metro rail service whenever possible to mitigate inconvenience. Intensive checking and barricades at Noida-Delhi borders will likely result in increased pressure on vehicular movement, prompting traffic diversions as necessary.

The Noida Traffic Police have provided specific instructions for vehicles, redirecting traffic through alternative routes to minimize congestion. These measures aim to facilitate smoother traffic flow amidst the Bharat Bandh disruptions.

As the nationwide strike unfolds, authorities are working to manage traffic effectively and minimize disruptions for commuters while respecting the right of farmers to protest and express their grievances.