Losses exceeds Rs 1200 crore
Railways continue to lose revenue as freight operations remain forcibly suspended due tracks blockages in Punjab. As on November 4, 2020, more than 2225 freight rakes could not be operated which were to carry vital commodities. Losses are already expected to have crossed Rs 1200 crore. As agitators have continued their protests at platforms and near railway tracks, train movement was again suspended due to operational and safety considerations. Sporadic blockade continued at various places, especially around Jandiala, Nabha, Talwandi Sabo and Bathinda as per reports at 06:00 hours on November 4. The agitation was continuing at 32 locations. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Railways had written to Captain Amarinder Singh, CM, Punjab Government on 26th October, 2020 seeking assurance about safety of tracks and running staff to resume operations.
Freight carrying Foodgrains, Fertilizers, essential commodities hit
The disruptions have caused a major adverse impact on freight movement and hence on availability of vital commodities for the farm, industrial and infrastructure sector as well. All inward and outward goods transportation, including essential commodities have been affected adversely in Punjab , J&K, Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. A number of freight trains including loaded trains remained struck as such for periods upto 15-20 days. Many freight customers, after having suffered business losses, are being diverted to other modes of transportation.
Outward Loading, too, has been affected from the Punjab Area. Movement of Foodgrains, Container, Automobile, Cement, Pet coke, Fertilizer etc has taken a hit Average Loss of Loading per day in Punjab is 40 rakes per day. Inward Traffic to Punjab has been affected (Outward from other than Punjab Area) and now Container, Cement, Gypsum, Fertilizer, POL etc are not being able to reach to key locations in Punjab, with an average loss per day of about 30 rakes per day. The Kisan Agitation had erupted on September 24, 2020, in the Punjab region against the newly introduced Farm Bill.
