Farmers make 3 toll plazas toll-free in Ludhiana; internet suspended; protest against India-US FTA

July 22, 2026

Farmers protesting in Ludhiana against the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and other demands have made three toll plazas toll-free today. During this protest, internet services at the toll plazas have been suspended, and the contact numbers of commuters passing through are being recorded.

The farmers have stated that if any vehicle driver subsequently receives a notification regarding a toll tax deduction, steps will be taken to have it cancelled.

The Ladowal, Gullal, and Chaukiman toll plazas in the district will remain toll-free from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. During this period, all vehicles—large and small—passing through these plazas will be able to commute without paying the toll fee.

Leaders of the farmers’ organizations stated that this protest is being held to oppose the Central Government’s policies. They allege that the government is implementing policies detrimental to farmers, laborers, and employees while prioritizing corporate interests.

Farmers’ organizations have been consistently opposing the proposed India-US Free Trade Agreement (FTA) due to its anticipated adverse impact on the agricultural sector. The farmers argue that their various demands have been pending for a long time, yet the government is paying no heed to them. Consequently, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha decided to stage peaceful protests at toll plazas across the state today and keep them toll-free for a specified duration.

Police and Administration Make Robust Security Arrangements

Activists from farmers’ organizations began arriving at the three toll plazas in Ludhiana early in the morning. As the protest intensifies from 12:00 PM onwards, a large number of farmers are expected to gather and raise slogans against the Central Government. The police and administration have put in place robust security arrangements to ensure the protest remains peaceful.

Farmer leaders declared that their agitation would continue until the farmers’ demands are seriously considered and the anti-farmer policies are withdrawn.