Farmers’ Protest Halts Sangli-Miraj Rail Services; Compensation Dispute Delays 44 Trains

Reported By Amit Singh
Sangli, 17th July 2025: Rail traffic between Bhilavadi and Nandre stations in Sangli district has been severely disrupted due to an ongoing protest by a group of farmers, who have blocked the railway tracks over a land compensation dispute. The protest has impacted over 44 trains daily on the Miraj-bound route, with several services delayed, diverted, or cancelled.

The farmers are protesting against the land acquisition process related to the railway doubling project, which was completed in 2022. The dispute emerged in 2023 after compensation concerns were raised. While the Railways have deposited the compensation amount with the revenue authorities as per the farmers’ demand, the protesters have not accepted the terms and have continued their agitation on the tracks.

The blockade has affected the newly laid double line, forcing the Railways to operate train services on a single line. According to officials, around 22 down trains and an equal number of up trains operate on this section each day. Several trains have reported delays exceeding 45 minutes, causing inconvenience to passengers, including those with urgent travel needs.

A passenger affected by the disruption stated that the protest has caused significant hardship, especially for individuals traveling for medical reasons or time-sensitive purposes.

Despite multiple rounds of dialogue and intervention efforts by railway officials, the protest remains unresolved. Officials confirmed that they have maintained continuous communication with the agitating farmers to find an amicable solution.

Railway authorities stated that the administration is monitoring the situation and working towards restoring normal train operations at the earliest.