Bhubaneswar: In Odisha, particularly in Bhubaneswar, the impact of Bharat bandh called by several trade unions in solidarity with protesting farmers was minimal. Normal movement of vehicles was observed throughout the city and trains were operating as per their schedules.
As part of the bandh, trade unions have planned to organise a rally in Bhubaneswar later in the day. Several trade union leaders emphasised that they intended to peacefully protest in front of central government offices.
However, Angul and Rourkela experienced noticeable disruptions. In Rourkela, bus services were halted, and several plants and industries in Kalunga and Rajgangpur areas remained closed. Additionally, mining operations in Kalta, Bimalagarh and Koida were suspended.
Worth mentioning, employees of state-owned Punjab Roadways, PUNBUS and private public transport bus operators in Punjab went on strike Friday, leaving many commuters stranded as over 5,000 buses stayed off the roads.
The impact of the shutdown, which is from 6 am to 4 pm was also seen in neighbouring Haryana as shops and commercial establishments stayed closed. Petroleum dealers in Punjab closed filling stations to back the shutdown call.
The activists of several farmer associations were seen asking traders at several places in AAP-ruled Punjab to keep their shops and business establishments closed to mark the protest. Farmer leaders said they would block key roads and occupy toll plazas during the shutdown.
PNN & Agencies