Diversions leave snarl-ups in Lalru, Dera Bassi ahead of farmers' protest

Mohali, February 11

Traffic snarls were witnessed in Lalru and Dera Bassi area due to increased movement of vehicles and diversions on the national highway ahead of the farmer unions’ proposed march towards Delhi on February 13.

“As of now, no restrictions have been imposed at the national highway in Lalru area but depending on the situation in Haryana, diversions will be effected according to the traffic plan. There are snarl-ups at some places but the traffic police have been deployed to manage it,” said Vaibhav Chaudhary, Dera Bassi ASP.

Police officials said additional forces would be deployed according to the emerging situation.

Particularly, the flow of traffic on the highway is more from Ambala to Lalru side as there are a few diversions. The traffic coming from Chandigarh to Ambala side has been diverted to Panchkula side. Road users said a lack of awareness and signage was compounding their problem a bit.

There was an increased flow of vehicles on the national highway due to diversions on link roads in the nearby villages but a jam-like situation did not arise. Though the movement of vehicles had slowed dpwm considerably. Last night, there was a traffic jam on the Lalru-Chandigarh highway for two-three hours.

Meanwhile, residents of Lalru complained of frequent phone call drops and curtailed Internet service throughout the day. The service is normal after Dappar toll plaza.

Police presence may be increased on February 12.

Meanwhile, a section of farmer union members and labour union leaders met in Mohali to chalk out a strategy for February 16 nationwide blockade. They claimed that demonstrations and road blockades would be held at five places in Mohali, Azizpur toll plaza, near Singh Shaheedan Gurdwara on Airport Road, Baroudi toll plaza, Kharar bus stand and Dera Bassi.

According to the union members, a nationwide protest has been planned against the Centre for February 16. Markets would be closed from 10 am to 4 pm and traffic halted from 12 noon to 4 pm.

Brace for protests, roadblocks on Feb 16

Members of farmer unions and labour union leaders met in Mohali to chalk out a strategy for February 16 march. They claimed that demonstrations and road blockades would be held at five places in Mohali, Azizpur toll plaza, near Singh Shaheedan Gurdwara on Airport Road, Baroudi toll plaza, Kharar bus stand and Dera Bassi.

Monitoring traffic situation in Haryana: Police

As of now, no restrictions have been imposed on the national highway in Lalru area but depending on the situation in Haryana, diversions will be effected according to the traffic plan. There are snarl-ups at some places but the traffic police have been deployed to manage it. — Vaibhav Chaudhary, Dera Bassi ASP