Traffic moved slowly on the Mohali-Chandigarh border on Monday as farmers from across Punjab arrived in more than 400 tractor-trailers for the first day of the Samyukt Kisan Morcha’s (SKM) seven-day protest. The travel time on the stretch increased slightly, but traffic continued to move without major disruption.
Farmers set up camp along 2-km stretch for SKM protest
The tractor-trailers, which are being used as makeshift homes, lined a nearly 2-km stretch from Phase XI to Sector 48. They were arranged in two neat rows, leaving a passage for pedestrians between them. The stretch on one side of the main road leading to the protesters’ stage in Sector 48 has been closed to traffic for the next seven days.
According to the original story, one-way traffic is being allowed from Chandigarh towards Mohali and the Airport Road. For traffic moving from Mohali towards Chandigarh, two diversions have been provided on either side of the protest site.
Traffic diversions in place for commuters
Commuters using the Mohali-Chandigarh border should expect slower travel times during the protest period. The road closure on one side means drivers heading from Mohali to Chandigarh must use the designated diversions. Those travelling from Chandigarh towards Mohali and the Airport Road can continue on the main road, though they should still plan for delays.
The protest is set to last for seven days, meaning the traffic arrangements will remain in place for the duration. Authorities have kept traffic moving, but the increased number of vehicles on the stretch has added to travel time for daily commuters.
Our Take: A manageable disruption with clear planning
To put it plainly, this protest has caused a noticeable slowdown but not a standstill. The SKM’s decision to line the tractor-trailers in neat rows with a pedestrian passage shows organisation, and the authorities’ quick response with diversions has kept the road functional.
For commuters, the key takeaway is simple: expect delays and plan alternate routes if possible. The one-way system and diversions are working, but a 2-km stretch of closed road will naturally add time to any journey. With seven days of protest ahead, patience will be essential for everyone using this border crossing.
This situation highlights how large-scale demonstrations can coexist with daily life when both organisers and authorities make practical arrangements. The impact on traffic is real but limited, and the protest appears to be proceeding without major conflict.
