CVs Turn Saviours In Punjab

During the Punjab floods, commercial vehicles transformed from transport medium to lifelines, delivering essentials, rescuing families, and providing shelter

- By Richa Tyagi

In August 2025, over 1,400 villages in more than 13 districts of Punjab, India, were hit by severe floods, the worst the state had seen in nearly four decades, since 1988. The floods were caused by an unusually heavy downpour in the higher altitude regions, especially Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, along with a large inflow of water from dams like Pong, Ranjit Sagar, and Bhakra. The opening of flood gates worsened the catastrophe downstream, particularly along the Ravi, Beas, and Sutlej rivers. The heavy rains and overflowing rivers broke embankments, flooding fields, villages, and towns that came in the way. Agricultural plots witnessed crops being ruined, homes collapsing, and highways, the main arteries of the state, being submerged to look like rivers. Thousands of families were left stranded without essentials like food, clean water, or medical help.

Amid this disaster, the commercial vehicles came across as saviours. While army boats and helicopters were shown in the news, trucks, buses, pickups, amphibious all-terrain vehicles, and even small tempos were often the first to reach the people who needed help. They carried food and supplies to flooded areas, rescued families, and even became temporary kitchens, clinics, and shelters. In Punjab's hardest time, these vehicles showed they are more than just transport; they can save lives.

THE ROAD TO RESCUE

When water levels began rising in low-lying areas of Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Ropar, and Patiala, official agencies scrambled to respond. But blocked highways and washed-out rail links created bottlenecks. Supplies piled up in warehouses, cutoff from the people who needed them most. The local truck drivers and transport organisations mobilised and delivered essential supplies to affected regions. While official government and NGO convoys were organised, individual drivers and community groups also used their own vehicles to help with distribution.