Bolivia Highway Blockade: Cochabamba-Santa Cruz Route Disrupted

Cochabamba-Santa Cruz Highway Blocked by Cocalero Protests Cochabamba, Bolivia – Roadblocks have disrupted travel between Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, Bolivia, following protests by coca farmers. At least ten points along the new highway are blocked, according to reports from Bolivia TV. The situation has led to significant traffic congestion and the suspension of bus routes along the new highway. "We have determined that departures to the Santa Cruz department will be made via the old highway," stated Ramiro Vargas, head of Transit at the Cochabamba Bus Terminal. The old highway, while open, is also experiencing delays due to the high volume of traffic. The video shows images of large crowds of protestors and long lines of vehicles waiting to pass. A reporter from Bolivia TV, speaking from the Santa Cruz bus terminal, described the scene as "hundreds of trucks stopped on the highways." The protests are reportedly related to the political situation and the policies of the Evo Morales-aligned coca farmers. While the situation remains tense, the use of the old highway provides an alternative route, mitigating the complete shutdown of transportation between the two cities. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and seek a resolution to the ongoing protests.