Punjab Farmers Halt Trains in 'Rail Roko' Protest Against Electricity Bill

Farmers in Punjab staged a 'Rail Roko' protest against the Centre's proposed Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which they believe is anti-farmer. Despite police detentions, protests occurred across multiple districts, temporarily halting train services at several locations, expressing opposition to bill-driven privatisation concerns.

In a fervent demonstration, farmers across Punjab embarked on a 'Rail Roko' protest to voice opposition against the Centre's Electricity (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The farmers argue the bill threatens their livelihoods by pushing privatisation and centralisation of the power system.

The protest, organized by the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, intended to disrupt train services between 1 pm and 3 pm across 26 locations in 19 districts. However, authorities preemptively detained many farmers to prevent them from blocking railway tracks, although they were eventually released.

Despite detentions, protests succeeded in halting trains temporarily at some locations, with scuffles reported in places like Ferozepur and Amritsar districts. Farmers managed to gather on tracks in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar, calling for the withdrawal of the proposed bill.

(With inputs from agencies.)