Shambhu and Khanauri Border was finally reopened on Thursday after 13 months. Both the borders that were a key gateway to Delhi and other states for Punjab were shut down due to the farmers' protest. In a late-night action on Wednesday, Punjab Police dismantled protest camps of farmers, and stages, and even detained the protestors. AAP clarified that although it supports farmers' protest, the closure of the Shambhu and Khanauri Border was pushing back Punjab's economy and industries were suffering losses in crores.
This action by the Punjab Police has relieved the general public as one side of the highway has finally opened. The current traffic situation and its flow were shared by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Patiala Nanak Singh, who outlined that one side of the highway is open for commuters. He also highlighted that the highway is clear, and the vehicle movement is back to normal. Now, the question arises how much did the 13 months of farmers' protest impact Punjab industries i.e. how much did Punjab industries suffer losses during the farmers' protest? Below is all you need to know-
How much loss did Punjab Industries suffer due to the closure of the Shambhu and Khanauri Border?
Industry leaders including the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector, Ludhiana’s woolen industry, and Jalandhar’s sports market estimated a loss of approximately Rs 20,000 crore over the past 13 months due to the disruption in trade and supply chains.
Badish Jindal, President, of Punjab MSME said, "The bicycle industry in Ludhiana and related small-scale businesses were losing over Rs 1,500 crore every month due to the border closure. Most of our supply routes pass through Shambhu and Khanauri. The highway blockades increased production costs significantly. Around 95% of MSME products from Punjab are sold in other states, and the year-long supply disruption has nearly devastated small businesses."
"Punjab’s small industries have suffered for nearly five years. It could take at least two years to regain stability. The government must create a secure and business-friendly environment to attract industries that have relocated to other states," added Jindal.
Woolen Industry Ludhiana
Darshan Dawar, President, Ludhiana Woolen Industry Association said, "Business has almost come to a standstill. Traders from many states have stopped business from Punjab. This time the entire winter season flopped for the woolen industry. Vehicles used to be stuck on the roads for 3-3 hours"
"Businessmen from Haryana, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh have almost completely withdrawn from Punjab. They now source their products from other states. With the highways reopened, we hope to rebuild trust and attract business back to Punjab," added Dawar.
On Jalandhar's Sports Industry
Ravinder Dhir, President, of Jalandhar Sports Market Association said, "Due to daily protests, Punjab's image has been tarnished. Traders from other states do not want to come here. Customers also do not show priority in buying goods made in Punjab because they fear that they do not know when the supply will stop."