Singhu border reopens: Understanding impact of year-long closure on industries, commuters

The Singhu border, a key entry point to the national capital Delhi for the entire northern region, including Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), has been reopened, and traffic has resumed after over a year.

Why was the Singhu border sealed?

The Singhu border was sealed by the Delhi Police twice to prevent agitating farmers from entering Delhi. The first sealing occurred on November 27, 2020, following a confrontation between farmers and police during the ‘Farmers’ Protest 1.0’. The border was completely sealed by the Delhi Police and reserve police force. Traffic resumed on December 15, 2021. The Delhi Police sealed the Singhu border again on February 13, 2024, due to the ‘Farmers’ Protest 2.0’. However, the Haryana Police stopped farmers from entering Haryana at the Shambhu border. The Delhi Police subsequently opened service lanes and two lanes on each side of the main carriage way on March 13, 2024, although the main carriage way remained closed. The border has now been fully reopened by the Delhi Police.

For how many days was the Singhu border closed both the times?

The Singhu border was completely shut for almost 383 days during the ‘Farmers’ Protest 1.0’ from November 28, 2020, to December 15, 2021. It was completely closed for commuters again on February 13, 2024, during the ‘Farmers’ Protest 2.0’. However, after Haryana Police stopped protesting farmers at the Shambhu border, Delhi Police partially opened the Singhu border (service lanes and one lane on both sides) after 34 days on March 17 last year. Following the eviction of farmers from the Shambhu border, Delhi Police fully reopened the border on Monday after 404 days.

What was the impact of the Singhu border being sealed?

The Singhu border, located on National Highway (NH)-44, is an inter-state border that separates Delhi and Haryana, serving as a key entry point to the national capital. The surrounding areas, including Kundli, Rai, Nathupur, Ram Nagar, Bahalgarh, Murthal, and Barhi, have been developed into an industrial hub.

During the first farmers’ protest, the border was sealed for 383 days, resulting in significant losses for industries, amounting to crores of rupees. According to data, industries in Kundli alone suffered losses exceeding Rs 5,000 crore due to the protest. Additionally, numerous shops, restaurants, malls, and small businesses were severely impacted. Thousands of commuters also faced difficulties due to the sealed border.

In the ‘Farmers’ Protest 2.0’, the border was sealed again, but after 34 days, it was partially reopened for commuters. However, industries continued to face challenges due to delayed raw materials and finished products caused by disrupted traffic flow. Commuters also experienced significant problems due to traffic congestion at the Singhu border over the past year. Fortunately, traffic has now resumed smoothly after 404 days.