Chandigarh is set to face heavy traffic disruptions today as nearly 10,000 farmers arrive in the city for a three-hour rally called by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM).
The administration has given a noon-to-3 pm slot for the gathering at the Dussehra Ground in Sector 43, marking five years since the farmers’ protest began at Delhi’s borders. With large crowds expected, the UT Police have deployed nearly 3,000 personnel around the venue, which has been strategically allowed close to the Mohali border to avoid deeper movement of protesters into the city.
Traffic is likely to be severely hit around Sector 43 and nearby junctions throughout the day. As per the advisory issued by Chandigarh Traffic Police, major restrictions have come into force on Jan Marg, starting from Kajheri Chowk (Sector 42/43–52/53) up to Sector 42/43 Small Chowk, and further towards Attawa Chowk in the Sector 35/36/42/43 belt.
Another key stretch that will see diversions is the V-4 Road in Sector 43, from the Sector 43/44 light point to the Judicial Academy light point, up to the Sector 42/43 Small Chowk.
Commuters using routes towards Mohali, ISBT-43, Sector 42, Sector 35, Sector 36 and the Judicial Academy area have been advised to plan travel accordingly and follow updates on the official social media handles of Chandigarh Traffic Police.
Farmer groups from across Punjab began arriving through the night as volunteers prepared the venue, set up the stage and arranged seating for participants. Around 30 organisations are expected to join the gathering, which SKM says is meant to remind the government that several issues raised during the 2020 protest remain unresolved.
"The rally is part of similar events being held in different state capitals to mark the anniversary of the agitation. The administration has approved the programme strictly for three hours, and the organisers have said the event will begin at 12 pm and conclude by 3 pm", said one of the farmer leaders.
SSP Kanwardeep Kaur said the security and traffic arrangements are fully in place and urged residents to cooperate with the police.