Chandigarh Commuters Alert: Several Roads Shut as Farmers Set Up Protest Camp; Traffic Halted from IISER to Tribune Chowk
Chandigarh Administration Grants Permission for Protest; Farmers Arrive with Tractor-Trolleys, Heavy Police Barricading in Place
Farmers’ Protest to Continue from Tuesday to Monday; Commuters Face Major Disruptions
Babushahi Network Bureau
Chandigarh, August 31, 2026: The farmers’ protest has once again intensified in the capital city, with farmers setting up camps at Chandigarh’s borders over various demands. A large number of tractor-trolleys have been stationed on the main road leading from IISER towards Tribune Chowk, effectively disrupting traffic on the route.
According to the information available, the farmers’ protest began on Tuesday and is scheduled to continue until the following Monday — for seven days in all. Long queues of tractors and tractor-trolleys have been visible on the roads since the first day of the protest.
In view of the farmers’ arrival, the Chandigarh Police and Administration have stepped up security arrangements. Heavy barricading has been put up on the road from IISER towards Tribune Road. The closure of roads and the farmers’ protest have caused considerable inconvenience to commuters.
The Chandigarh Administration has permitted the farmers to hold a peaceful protest, but the demonstration has significantly affected traffic movement in the city.
Commuters from Malwa May Face Major Traffic Disruptions
People entering Chandigarh from Punjab’s Malwa region, including Bathinda, Sangrur, Mansa, Patiala and Rajpura, may face significant traffic disruptions.
Normally, commuters travelling from the Rajpura or Banur side take a left turn at the Patiala Light Point after Banur and proceed towards Airport Road. From Airport Chowk, the route continues towards IISER, where commuters generally take a right turn towards Tribune Chowk.
That route is currently affected by the farmers’ protest and police barricading.
At present, the main road taking a right turn from IISER has been blocked due to the protest, resulting in heavy traffic congestion. Travelling through this route is reportedly difficult, and the disruption could continue throughout the seven-day protest period.
Main Issue: Opposition to Proposed India-US Trade Deal
The main reason behind the farmers’ seven-day protest is their opposition to the proposed trade deal between India and the United States.
Farmer leaders argue that if the Indian government proceeds with the trade agreement, it could adversely affect the country’s agriculture sector and farmers financially.
They fear that the entry of American agricultural products into Indian markets could lead to a fall in prices of crops produced by Indian farmers.
The farmers are demanding that the proposed India-US trade deal be scrapped, and they have gathered in Chandigarh to press the Centre on the issue.