Farmers’ ‘Rail Roko’ in Punjab Today: Sit-in protests at 18 Locations, Several Trains to be Affected

April 17, 2026

Angered by delays in the procurement and lifting of wheat in Punjab, farmers have now announced a “Rail Roko” (rail blockade) protest. Today, farmers will stage sit-ins on railway tracks across 18 districts of Punjab, bringing train operations to a halt.

Following calls issued by the KMM (Kisan Mazdoor Morcha) and the SKM (Samyukt Kisan Morcha), a state-wide “Rail Roko” agitation is being observed today. Farmer leaders have categorically stated that their protest will continue until the pace of procurement and lifting in the *mandis* (grain markets) is accelerated.

Farmer leaders allege that the government and the administration are deliberately delaying the procurement of wheat. Due to a shortage of gunny bags (*bardana*) in the *mandis* and a lack of lifting operations, farmers have been waiting with their harvested crops for weeks. Following a *Mahapanchayat* held in Jagraon, leaders declared that the exploitation of farmers—often carried out under the pretext of excessive moisture content in the grain—will not be tolerated.

In response to the farmers’ demands, Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu stated that the Central Government has issued directives to the FCI (Food Corporation of India) to resolve the issues faced by the farmers. Acting on the Central Government’s instructions, the FCI has also relaxed the procurement standards for wheat.

Rail Blockade from 12:00 PM for Four Hours

The protest is primarily expected to take place today (Monday) from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. However, based on decisions made by local farmer organizations, the duration of the rail blockade may be extended. Consequently, several long-distance trains passing through Punjab are likely to be affected during this period, and passengers may face significant inconvenience.