Farmer protests in Punjab have led to significant economic losses, toll blockades, and border shutdowns.
CHANDIGARH: Farmers’ organisations in Punjab have frequently shut down toll plazas over high toll rates, resulting in significant revenue losses. To make matters worse, the Shambhu and Khanauri Borders were closed for 13 months, exacerbating Punjab’s economic hardships due to unpaid farmer demands. These interruptions have severely impacted the financial health of the state, affecting trade and movement.
Several videos on social media show different farmer unions extorting money and intervening in issues such as marital disputes, toll hikes, and family conflicts.
Rs 1.25 lakh crore loss due to farmer protests
The extended closure of major border points—Shambhu, Khanauri, and Kundli—resulted in an estimated economic loss of over Rs 1.25 lakh crores to Punjab and Haryana. The areas surrounding these borders suffered immediate losses of more than Rs 1,600 crores, while businesses in Punjab alone incurred losses nearing Rs 1 lakh crore, as reported by the trader unions of Punjab. The resumption of these routes involved authorities removing permanent protest camps and clearing the National Highway at Shambhu Border.
On March 20, 2025, Haryana police began dismantling heavy cement barricades early in the morning. By 2 pm, Punjab and Haryana police had cleared the road. Traffic on the Rajpura-Ambala lane was restored by 4:36 pm, and on the Ambala-Rajpura lane by 7 pm.
A seven-member National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) team inspected the Ghaggar River bridge, where only light vehicles were allowed until repairs were completed. Protests broke out in four Haryana districts following the arrest of farmer leaders.
Khanauri border to reopen completely soon
The Khanauri Border is still partially obstructed by trolleys and fixed protest sites. Officials are working to clear the way for regular traffic flow.
More than 1,300 farm bill agitators arrested in Punjab
Punjab police arrested over 1,300 farm bill agitators during protests, with the highest numbers reported in Faridkot (500) and Sangrur (300). Protesters clashed with police in Shambhu and Khanauri, and farmer leaders were detained. In Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran, farm bill agitators staged indefinite sit-ins in front of Deputy Commissioners’ offices.
Jagjit Singh Dallewal denies medical care
Arrested farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal was first taken to PIMS Medical College in Jalandhar and then moved to a PWD guest house in Jalandhar Cantonment, where he declined medical care.
Ladhowal Toll Plaza shutdown: A repeating pattern of losses due to protest
In Ludhiana, farm bill agitators closed the Ladhowal Toll Plaza cabins in late June and early July 2024, protesting against frequent toll fee hikes, allowing commuters to travel without charge. The Ladhowal toll plaza, Punjab’s most expensive, has been shut indefinitely due to farmer protests. Multiple farmer unions have blocked toll collection booths, causing an estimated daily loss of over Rs 1 crore. Legal action has been initiated in the High Court to resolve the issue.
These ongoing incidents of extortion in the form of toll blockades and border shutdowns continue to strain Punjab’s economy, causing businesses and travellers to suffer from extended disruptions.