Shambhu border closed today from 7 am to 6 pm: Punjab & Haryana police share alternative routes
Chandigarh: The Punjab and Haryana authorities have issued detailed traffic advisories ahead of the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha’s planned march to Delhi today. As part of the security and traffic management arrangements, the Shambhu border on the Rajpura–Ambala–Delhi Highway (NH-44) will remain closed from 7 am to 6 pm.
The move is expected to affect thousands of commuters traveling between Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi. Police in both states have advised motorists to plan their journeys accordingly and use designated diversion routes.
Punjab police traffic advisory: Alternative routes announced
The Punjab Police confirmed that the Shambhu Border crossing will stay shut throughout the day. To ease congestion and ensure smooth travel, commuters have been urged to opt for the following alternative routes:
- Fatehgarh Sahib-Landran-Airport Chowk
- Mohali-Derabassi-Ambala
- Rajpura-Banur-Zirakpur (Chatt Lights)-Derabassi
- Ambala-Rajpura-Ghanaur-Ambala-Delhi Highway
- Patiala-Ghanaur-Ambala-Delhi Highway
- Banur-Manauli Surat-Lehli-Lalru-Ambala stretch
Police presence will be ensured at all diversion points to guide and assist travelers.
Haryana police advisory: Diversions for Ambala–Patiala commuters
The Haryana Police have clarified that vehicles traveling from Delhi to Ambala will not face disruptions.
However, traffic from Ambala towards Patiala will be affected, as the Shambhu border will remain closed for the day. Commuters heading to Patiala are advised to follow these alternate paths:
- Shahabad-Saha-Panchkula-Chandigarh route
- Ambala-Lalru, Zirakpur-Rajpura route
Reason behind the closure: Qaumi Insaaf Morcha’s call for Delhi march
The traffic restrictions come in response to the Qaumi Insaaf Morcha’s (QIM) call for a march to Delhi, starting from the Shambhu border. Several farmer outfits have extended support to the protest.
The Morcha is demanding release of Sikh prisoners who they claim remain jailed despite completing their sentences and justice for the 2015 Faridkot sacrilege and police firing incidents.
QIM supporters have been staging a continuous sit-in protest at Sector 52–53 in Chandigarh and YPS Chowk, Mohali since January 7, 2023.