Trains hit, roads leading to Delhi's IGI airport jammed

NEW DELHI: Trains to and from Delhi were impacted on Monday due to the Bharat Bandh called by farmers. The protest saw blockades at about 20 locations falling under Delhi, Ambala and Ferozepur divisions of Northern Railway. By the evening, around 50 trains had been cancelled, while others had to be diverted, short-terminated and short-originated, officials said.
Meanwhile, passengers also found it difficult to reach the Delhi airport as traffic snarls near the Delhi-Gurgaon border stretched on for hours.Airlines urged people to reach at least three hours in advance to board their flights on time.
Officials said among the major trains impacted on Monday included Delhi-Amritsar Shan-e-Punjab, New Delhi-Moga Express, Old Delhi-Pathankot Express, Vande Bharat Express from New Delhi to Katra and the Amritsar Shatabdi.
Deepak Kumar, CPRO, Northern Railway, said around 50 trains had been cancelled by the evening and the blockade removed from most points by 4pm. “By the evening, operations had normalised, however, during the day, there were at least 20 blockades which fell under Delhi, Ambala and Ferozepur divisions. Train movements from Delhi to Ambala and Delhi to Bathinda were particularly impacted,” he added.
Farmers were seen occupying railway tracks across Punjab and Haryana, which meant certain routes could not be used during the day. Railway officials said passengers were being informed in real-time of possible delays, short-terminations and cancellations.
Delhi airport, too, asked passengers to check with airlines and reach the airport early on Monday. “Commute to Delhi airport may get impacted between 6 am and 4 pm due to the planned nationwide shutdown today. Passengers are advised to contact the local traffic police and the airlines concerned for more information,” it said on Twitter.