Massive Traffic Disruption in Chandigarh Due to Farmers' March
A farmers' march in Chandigarh on Friday, July 10, 2026, brought the city to a standstill, causing severe traffic congestion on several key roads. Commuters were stranded for hours as vehicles crawled through long queues, with many reporting delays of over two hours on major routes.
Key Roads Affected and Commuter Ordeal
According to the Tribune News Service, traffic jams were particularly severe around Sector 21, where the farmers' march passed through. Roads in and around the sector were completely gridlocked, with vehicles barely moving. Photographs by Tribune photographers Ravi Kumar and Pardeep Tewari showed miles-long queues of cars, buses, and two-wheelers.
Several school buses were caught in the congestion, leaving children and parents anxious. One commuter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, "I left home at 8 AM to reach my office in Sector 17, but I am still stuck near Sector 21 after three hours. This is unacceptable."
Impact on Daily Life and Emergency Services
The disruption affected not only commuters but also emergency services. Ambulances and fire engines were seen struggling to navigate through the choked roads. Local authorities advised people to avoid non-essential travel and use alternative routes where possible. The Chandigarh traffic police issued alerts on social media, urging commuters to plan their journeys accordingly.
A police spokesperson stated, "We are deploying additional traffic personnel to manage the situation. The farmers' march is expected to conclude by evening, after which normalcy will be restored."
Background of the Protest
The farmers' march was organized by a coalition of farmer unions to demand better prices for crops, loan waivers, and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission recommendations. The protest, which began in the morning, saw thousands of farmers marching from various points to converge at the Punjab and Haryana High Court complex.
This is the latest in a series of protests by farmers in the region, following the repeal of the three farm laws in 2021. The unions have vowed to continue their agitation until all demands are met.
Official Response and Traffic Advisory
The Chandigarh administration has set up a control room to monitor the situation and coordinate with traffic police. Commuters are advised to check live traffic updates before heading out. Schools in the affected areas were asked to consider early dismissal to avoid further chaos.
As of 4:41 PM IST, the situation remained critical, with no immediate end to the blockade in sight. Authorities have not yet released an official timeline for the march's conclusion.
