Train services resume in Punjab after ceasefire: Migrant workers get much-needed relief

Following the recent ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, all train services that were suspended or altered in Punjab due to heightened cross-border tensions have now been reinstated. The Northern Railways announced the restoration late Saturday evening, with the revised operations taking effect from 8:30 p.m. onward, as per official communication from the Ambala divisional railway office.

The revival of normal rail services comes as a major relief for thousands of migrant workers in Punjab who had been anxiously trying to return to their home states, particularly Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Uttarakhand. The railway divisions of Ferozepur and Ambala had earlier confirmed that a total of 35 trains were impacted—with 24 cancellations and several others either diverted or short-terminated—due to the precautionary suspension following deteriorating security conditions along the border.

According to railway officials, trains that were previously ordered to originate from stations outside Punjab—like Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Ambala, and Saharanpur—will now resume their original operations from within the state. Likewise, those that were terminated prematurely outside Punjab will now travel all the way to their scheduled destinations within the region.

The disruption, which peaked on Saturday, was a direct result of rising hostilities after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, followed by Operation Sindoor, an Indian military operation targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir post-midnight on May 6. These escalations had led to immediate safety concerns, resulting in a halt in various public services, including rail transportation.

Amid these developments, Northern Railways took proactive measures by launching one-way special trains to facilitate the safe exit of people from conflict-affected areas. Trains such as Ferozepur to Patna and Amritsar to Howrah were introduced to meet the spike in demand for outbound travel. However, the response to these emergency services was mixed—one such train, Ferozepur Cantonment–Patna, departed Sunday afternoon with 575 vacant seats, according to officials. “Seat availability and boarding information from connecting stations were shared with passengers,” a railway officer confirmed.

Traditionally, the post-harvest period in Punjab witnesses a significant outflow of migrant laborers, particularly those working in agriculture and small-scale industry. The situation this year, however, was compounded by fear and uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions. This led to a sudden surge in passenger traffic at major railway hubs like Ludhiana, Amritsar, and Jalandhar, with reports of overcrowding and travel chaos.

“In May, about 20% of the migrant workforce usually returns to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for the wedding season. Many workers who came exclusively for the wheat harvesting also begin their journey home during this time,” explained T R Mishra, a local industrialist from Ludhiana. “Due to the recent border tensions, many of them preponed their departure, causing short-term chaos. But things are now stabilizing.”

Among the trains that have resumed operations following the ceasefire declaration are:

- Amritsar–Chandigarh Express

- Chandigarh–Amritsar Express

- Jalandhar City–New Delhi Intercity Express

- New Delhi–Amritsar Intercity Express

- Amritsar–Haridwar Jan Shatabdi Express

- Haridwar–Amritsar Jan Shatabdi Express

Additionally, while some train services remain under cancellation—including Lalkuan–Amritsar Express on May 13 and Amritsar–Lalkuan Express on May 14—others that were earlier suspended have been reinstated. These include:

- Delhi–Fazilka Intercity Express

- Fazilka–Delhi Intercity Express

- Fazilka–Bathinda

- Bathinda–Fazilka

- Fazilka–Kotkapura

- Kotkapura–Fazilka Intercity Express

These trains had been scheduled for cancellation between May 11 and 15, but in light of the improved security outlook, they will now run as per normal timetable. However, the New Delhi–Amritsar Shatabdi Express scheduled for Saturday evening remained cancelled, as the ceasefire announcement came too late to reinstate it on short notice.

The ceasefire, which has played a pivotal role in easing the situation, was widely welcomed across sectors. Though no official statement has been issued on the long-term restoration of all disrupted services, the quick response from Indian Railways suggests strong coordination between civilian and military authorities.

A railway staff member, speaking anonymously, remarked, “After the harvest season, workers typically return home, so special trains are arranged. This year, it coincided with a volatile situation, making the coordination more urgent.”

Earlier in May, the Ferozepur Railway Division also organized a reserved special train from Amritsar to Saharsa (Bihar) on May 3 to accommodate seasonal travel. Furthermore, three one-way special trains from Jammu to New Delhi operated between May 8 and May 10, as tensions grew following India’s counter-terror response.

As the geopolitical landscape remains sensitive, the recent ceasefire agreement has created space for restoring essential services and ensuring civilian mobility. While it's too early to determine the long-term sustainability of this peace gesture, the reinstatement of public transportation services marks a positive step.

The quick normalization of railway operations in Punjab not only underscores the effectiveness of the ceasefire but also highlights the resilience of India’s public service systems in responding to crises. For now, thousands of workers and their families can heave a sigh of relief as trains begin to run on schedule, reconnecting lives across states.