Farmers in Punjab have brought toll collection to a standstill at the Ladowal toll plaza, protesting the non-payment of compensation for land acquired for a highway expansion project. The agitation, which began early on Wednesday, has caused significant disruption to traffic on the busy Ludhiana-Jalandhar stretch.
Protest Over Unpaid Dues
Hundreds of farmers, whose land was taken over for the four-laning of the National Highway-1, have been demanding their rightful compensation for years. Despite multiple assurances from authorities, the payment has been delayed, leading to growing frustration among the affected landowners.
"We have been waiting for our dues for over three years now. The government promised us compensation but has failed to deliver. We are left with no choice but to stop toll collection until our demands are met," said a farmer leading the protest.
Impact on Commuters
The blockade has caused long traffic jams, with vehicles stranded for hours. Commuters have expressed anger over the sudden disruption, but many also sympathize with the farmers' plight. "We understand their problem, but this is causing a lot of trouble for daily travelers. The government should resolve this issue quickly," said a truck driver stuck in the queue.
Government Response
District authorities have initiated talks with the protesting farmers. Officials have assured them that the compensation process will be expedited. A senior official stated, "We are in touch with the farmers and are working to resolve the matter amicably. We urge them to lift the blockade to restore normal traffic flow."
However, farmers remain skeptical and have vowed to continue the protest until they receive written guarantees. The Ladowal toll plaza is a major revenue source for the highway concessionaire, and the halt is likely to cause financial losses.
This incident adds to the list of farmer protests in Punjab, where land acquisition for infrastructure projects has often been a contentious issue. The state government faces pressure to address the compensation demands to prevent further escalation.
