Chandigarh: Farmers’ stir hits rail service

Tribune News Service

Naina Mishra

Chandigarh, February 15

Railway operations have been disrupted due to the ongoing farmers’ protest, leading to the diversion of 10 trains via Chandigarh.

The ripple effect of these changes was seen in the city. The passengers, who could not board the trains at stations, such as Rajpura and Patiala due to diversions, had to travel to Chandigarh to catch their trains.

The rush witnessed at the local railway station was more than what one sees on usual days, thanks to these train diversions. Travellers opting for train journey as an alternative to road transport to reach Delhi due to the ongoing protest added to the rush at the station.

The train diversions to Chandigarh also led to the delay in the expected time of departure and arrival of trains. The passengers were alerted about the diversions through SMSes. However, no announcement was being made by the authorities.

Two trains, Amritsar-Nanded (12716) and Udhampur-Durg (12550), were rerouted from Ludhiana to Ambala via Chandigarh. Malwa Express (12919) and Durg Jat Express (20847) took an alternative route from Ambala to Ludhiana via Chandigarh. Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus-Amritsar Junction Express (11057) took a diversion from Ambala to Ludhiana via Chandigarh, skipping Rajpura and Patiala, among other stations.

Akal Takht Express (12317) had a diversion via Ambala-Chandigarh-Ludhiana, avoiding Sirhind. Amritsar Kathiar Express (15708) altered its course via Ludhiana-Chandigarh-Ambala, omitting stops at Khanna, Sirhind and Rajpura.

Trains rerouted via Chandigarh

• Amritsar-Nanded: Ludhiana-Chandigarh-Ambala (No stoppage skipped)
• Udhampur-Durg: Ludhiana-Chandigarh-Ambala (No stoppage skipped)
• Malwa Express: Ambala-Chandigarh-Ludhiana (Sirhind, Khanna skipped)
• Durg Jat Express: Ambala-Chandigarh-Ludhiana (No stoppage skipped)
• Mumbai CST–Amritsar: Ambala-Chandigarh-Ludhiana (skips Rajpura, Patiala, Nabha, Dhuri, Malerkotla, Ahmedgarh)
• Akal Takht Express: Ambala-Chandigarh-Ludhiana (skips Sirhind)
• Amritsar Kathiar Express: Ludhiana-Chandigarh-Ambala (Khanna, Sirhind, Rajpura skipped)
• Vaishno Devi-Ghazipur City Weekly Express: Ludhiana-Chandigarh-Ambala (no stoppage skipped)
• Jat Humsafar: Ambala-Chandigarh-Ludhiana (no stoppage skipped)
• Karambhoomi Express: Ambala-Chandigarh-Ldh (no stoppage skipped)

Long waiting lists

The waiting lists for Chandigarh-Delhi trains have further stretched with some of these showing full booking till Monday. New Delhi Jan Shatabdi that departs from city at 7.43 am is fully booked till February 19 with a waiting of 168 for Friday. Similarly, Kalka Shatabdi (12006) that departs from Chandigarh at 6.53 am and Pashchim Express both are fully booked till Monday. The Shatabdi that leaves Chandigarh at 6.23 pm is also fully booked till February 18.

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